Job Description

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Science and Technology Branch


Melfort (Saskatchewan), Outlook (Saskatchewan), Saskatoon (Saskatchewan), Scott (Saskatchewan)


BI-02


$72,835 to $99,178
For further information on the organization, please visit Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada


Discover the interesting work we do at Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada Videos

Closing date: 4 July 2025 - 23:59, Pacific Time

Who can apply:

Persons residing in Canada, and Canadian citizens and Permanent residents abroad.

Apply online

Important messages

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We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.


Assessment accommodation


We want you to succeed! Our objective is to identify qualified candidates by fairly assessing their abilities. Assessment accommodations are intended to remove obstacles without altering the criteria being assessed so that all candidates can showcase their capabilities.



Please help us meet our commitment of providing an inclusive and barrier-free environment by letting us know if you require assessment accommodations, including assistance with the application process. Additional information on the assessment format(s) (for example: exam, interview) will be provided at each assessment stage.



As one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is proud to celebrate our achievement in creating a diverse, respectful, and positive workplace where all employees are valued and recognized for their unique qualities, ideas, voices and perspectives. We are dedicated to building and promoting a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce, representative of all Canadians regardless of race, ethnicity, colour, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socio-economic background or lived experience. By embracing diversity and inclusion, our department ensures broader discussions, better decisions, and a more positive workplace.

Duties

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Position #1

The successful candidate will be part of a research team that applies genomics and genetics to understand the molecular interaction between plants and pathogens with specific focus on fungal disease of Brassica napus (canola) and wheat.




The successful candidate will apply molecular biology techniques to analyse the function of pathogen virulence and plant defense genes. Effect of chemical and biological elicitors of plant defense will be tested on plant immunity response using high throughput assays. Molecular biology and biochemistry techniques will be applied to analyse the function of plant pathogen receptors, host defense gene network and plant targets of pathogen virulence proteins.




Research duties will mainly consist of both greenhouse and laboratory work; however candidate may also be required to conduct field research experiments.



Position #2

The successful candidate will be part of a research team that applies genomics and genetics to understand the molecular control of the plant's response to abiotic stress, such as water and nutrient deficiencies.




The successful candidate will apply molecular biology techniques, including gene editing, to understand the role of various regulatory proteins that impact the plant's architecture and nutrient cycling in order to determine their role in controlling the plant's stress tolerance. Physiological screening of developed material will be required using various methods to assay plant transpiration, photosynthetic capacity, biomass accumulation and water and nutrient use efficiency.




Research duties will mainly consist of both greenhouse and laboratory works; however candidate may also be required to conduct field research experiments.

Work environment

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AAFC is committed to diversity and inclusion. We have several networks dedicated to ensuring that the department continues to grow as an inclusive, accessible, respectful and diverse workplace. All employees are encouraged and welcomed to join the networks and participate in their activities and events.



The Gender and Sexual Diversity Inclusiveness Network. The Indigenous Network Circle. The Managers' Community. The Persons with Disabilities Network. The Student Panel of Representatives for Orientation, Unity and Training. The Visible Minorities Network. The Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network. The Young Professional's Network.

Intent of the process

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Anticipatory need: 2 full-time temporary positions.



A pool of qualified or partially qualified candidates may be established and used to fill similar positions on a temporary or permanent basis.



In the event that an employee of the public service is qualified through this process, they may be considered for acting, deployment, indeterminate, assignment or secondment opportunities.

Positions to be filled:

2

Information you must provide

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Your resume.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

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Education:

Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in plant biology, molecular biology or another field relevant to the position.



Note: The courses for the specialization must be acceptable and must have been taken at a recognized post-secondary institution, but not necessarily within a degree program in the required specialization.



If you were educated outside of Canada, you must have your certificates and/or diplomas assessed against Canadian education standards. Click on the link below to contact the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC).


Degree equivalency


Experience:

Experience in plant molecular biology.

Experience in plant pathology or plant physiology.

Experience carrying out research studies, including planning, conducting experiments, analyzing results, and preparing manuscripts.

Experience working with a research team.

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

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Education:

Graduation with a post-graduate degree (Ph.D) from a recognized post-secondary institution with a specialization in plant molecular biology or a related field.


Degree equivalency


Experience:

Experience in canola pathology.

Experience in analysis of abiotic stress tolerance.

Experience in creating and maintaining plant and micro-organism collections.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

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English essential


Information on language requirements


Knowledge:

Knowledge of canola genetics.

Knowledge of the application of computer software related to molecular biology.


Competencies:

Adaptability

Analytical Thinking

Initiative

Planning & Organizing

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

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Knowledge:

Knowledge of bioinformatics.


Agriculture and Agri-food Canada recognizes that the diversity of its employee population contributes to its strength and integrity. We are committed to achieving employment equity and developing a highly capable workforce that is representative of Canadian Society. We encourage women (especially in non-traditional occupations), Indigenous peoples (Aboriginal peoples), persons with disabilities, and members of visible minority groups to apply and declare themselves as part of one or more of the Employment Equity groups, as selection may be limited to candidates belonging to one or more of the groups.


Information on employment equity

Conditions of employment

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Conditions of Employment:

Security : Reliabilty

Ability and willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Known allergies must be controlled through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication and must not impinge upon the duties to be performed.

Other information

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The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.


Information on employment equity


ASSESSMENT INFORMATION



You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Other qualifications may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed. Some essential and other qualifications will be assessed through your application. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate examples that illustrate how you meet each qualification. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected.



Asset qualifications may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.



A random or top down selection of candidates may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.



Various assessment tools may be used, such as standardized tests, interviews, references, board member knowledge, etc.



You must provide proof of your educational credentials.



All communication relating to this process, including email correspondence may be used in the assessment of qualifications.



Appointment decisions may be based on one or more of the following criteria:

Matching the individual's experience or qualifications to the strengths and weaknesses of the work team. Matching the individual's experience or qualifications to the specific duties of the position being staffed. Depth, breadth, and type of work-specific experience. Level/degree of one or more competencies/qualifications.


APPLICATION & CORRESPONDENCE INFORMATION



Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. You must apply on-line through www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/gc-jobs.html.



Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact the email referenced below under "Contact Information."



Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice. Applicants are asked to indicate their preferred official language in their application.



Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required. Candidates who apply to this selection process should include an email address that accepts emails from unknown users (some email systems block these types of emails).

Preference

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Preference will be given to veterans first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.


Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.