Help bring research to life and drive your career forward with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), Canada?s largest research and technology organization.

We are looking for a Technical Officer (TO) with experience in applied microbiology and the hands-on operation of bioreactors and associated equipment used in fermentation process development. The TO will work in a team environment with researchers and other technical personnel to provide technical support for research projects that employ microbes to transform renewable biomass into higher value products. The Technical Officer would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The successful candidate will play an important role within the NRC?s Aquatic and Crop Resource Development (ACRD) Research Centre?s expanding fermentation and bioprocessing capabilities in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. The TO will be a key technical resource in activities focused on developing fermentation processes from early-stage concept through to demonstration at pre-pilot scale using a range of microbes and feedstocks. Responsibilities include routine microbial culture, experimental setup and preparation, care and operation of a suite of diverse fermentation equipment, data collection and analysis for in-process batch and product records, and input into technical reports.

About ACRD

We perform advanced scientific research and provide research services and technology development for the sustainable transformation of Canadian bio-based resources into higher-value products.
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Why Work With Us
We collaborate with industry, academia and government partners to develop and transform agricultural and marine bioresources into food, feed and ingredients, and other high value bioproducts.

The services we offer include:

• Collaborative research opportunities
• Access to expert researchers and technicians
• Scientific advice and technical services
• Projects tailored to client needs using our specialized facilities
• Research and development support

Our goal is to help strengthen the economy by growing global markets for Canadian industry.
About Charlottetown
The essence of Charlottetown is the quality of life it offers its citizens. Situated on the beautiful Charlottetown Harbour with boardwalks that stretch almost the entire southern exposure of the city. A clean and safe family community which also happens to be the centre of activity, amenities, shopping and entertainment, all at a very low cost of living. There are beaches, golf courses and walking trails all around the Island and a rich landscape for nature lovers to enjoy.

Screening Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

1. This position requires a minimum of a Bachelor?s degree in bioprocess engineering or related discipline.
2. The equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.
3. A Master?s degree in fermentation, biotechnology or a related field is considered an asset. For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

1. Significant experience in microbial (bacteria, yeast, fungus) culture under sterile conditions, including establishing stock cultures, inoculation, propagation, sampling, and plating, and in the preparation of media and component reagents.
2. Experience operating industry-standard, small scale bioreactors, (e.g. Eppendorf, Sartorius) for fermentation and microbial conversion processes at development scale (defined as 10 L reaction volume), including instrument set-up, operation under sterile conditions, routine care and maintenance, and basic troubleshooting to adapt to specific process requirements.
3. Experience operating parallel reactor fermentation systems involving the simultaneous operation of four or more reaction vessels (e.g. Eppendorf DasGip or Dasbox) including instrument set-up, operation under sterile conditions, routine care and maintenance, and basic troubleshooting to adapt to specific process requirements.
4. Experience collecting and evaluating routine in-process batch and end-product analytics to inform fermentation process development and optimization.
5. Experience working in a project management focused multi-disciplinary research environment.
6. Experience with fermentation processes utilizing renewable agricultural and marine biomass and/or atypical C sources (e.g. starch, lignocellusic sugars, MIC waste streams) and commercially- or industrially-relevant microorganisms is an asset.
7. Experience operating bioreactors with reaction volumes greater than 10 L is an asset.

Condition of Employment

Reliability Status

Language Requirements

English Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment Criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical Competencies

1. Ability to provide technical support in the design, implementation, optimization and troubleshooting of fermentation and microbial conversion processes using bacterial, yeast, and/or fungal production systems.
2. Ability to operate both small scale, bench top bioreactors ( 10 L) and multi-vessel parallel bioreactor systems (e.g. DasGip), including set-up, use of operating and data acquisition software, and the maintenance of a sterile operating environment.
3. Ability to perform routine equipment maintenance, schedule service visits, establish standard operating protocols, order lab supplies, maintain inventories, track consumables and equipment usage, safely dispose of waste materials, and identify potential safety hazards and implement corrective measures
4. Knowledge of the use of renewable biomass or atypical feedstocks to produce high-value products, bio-based chemicals and/or biomaterials using industry-relevant microorganisms.
5. Knowledge of good laboratory practices and scientific record keeping, and ability to perform data analysis, summarize findings and qualify results in the context of published literature, for reports, scientific posters and publications.

Behavioural Competencies

• Research Technician/Technologist - Communication (Level 2)
• Research Technician/Technologist - Creative thinking (Level 2)
• Research Technician/Technologist - Results orientation (Level 2)
• Research Technician/Technologist - Teamwork (Level 2)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): Research Technician/Technologist

Relocation

Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.

Compensation

From $58,445 to $80,040 per annum.
NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including comprehensive health and dental plans, pension and insurance plans, vacation and other leave entitlements.

Notes

• A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one year period.
• NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of benefits including comprehensive health and dental plans, pension and insurance plans, vacation and other leave entitlements.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents of Canada, persons with an open work permit and indigenous peoples living in the United States. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• Basic knowledge of occupational health and safety best practices required to create and maintain a safe and healthy work environment. The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.

Please direct your questions, with the requisition number (19195) to: E-mail: NRC.NRCHiring-EmbaucheCNRC.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca Telephone: - Closing Date: Tuesday, May 23 - 23:59 Eastern Time OR Posted until filled