Research Scientist (Entomology)

Important messages

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is a separate employer and is not subject to the Public Service Employment Act.

CITIZENSHIP INFORMATION
The CFIA considers applications from individuals who have legal status to work in Canada and does not give preference to Canadian citizens.

In your application, please identify the legal status which entitles you to work in Canada - Canadian citizenship, permanent resident status or work permit. You will be asked to show proof of this status in order to complete the security screening required for employment. Failure to provide this information will eliminate your application from further consideration.

Individuals without Canadian citizenship, permanent resident status or an open or CFIA-specific work permit will only be considered if all other applicants with legal status to work in Canada are determined to be not qualified.

CFIA is committed to having a skilled, diversified workforce of Canadian society, and to the equitable representation of women (especially in non-tradition occupational groups), aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability and members of the visible minority group. We encourage members of these designated groups to self-identify.

Duties

The positions require scientific innovation and leadership in the area of entomology. The successful research scientists will work with an integrated team of researchers to 1) understand and control vectors and the disease agents they carry, and 2) develop DNA based tools for identifying insects of regulatory concern and potential invasive alien insect species. They will also work with stakeholders from academia, government, and industry, applying their expertise to help resolve challenges associated with their respective area of expertise.

The research scientists will participate in, plan, organize, coordinate and lead the development of technologies to research entomology issues that are significant from a Canadian regulatory standpoint. These technologies include:
1) Genomics, immunology and molecular biology applications, and
2) The identification of agricultural and forest insect pest species and the development of DNA based identification tools and databases for insects including; DNA Barcoding, next-generation sequencing, Genetics/Genomics and Bioinformatics.

The research scientists will generate hypotheses with other professionals and conduct independent studies to test these hypotheses to develop diagnostic methods; will train staff, students, and other parties in the procedures or methods used or under development in the laboratory.

They will provide scientists and other professionals with information to facilitate decision-making in terms of regulations; and analyze and evaluate data, draft reports, publish scientific articles in peer reviewed journals, and present conclusions to the scientific community.

The researchers are expected to manage multiple projects in a multidisciplinary setting requiring collaboration with other scientific teams. They will be expected to seek internal and external funding and collaborators to support the research program and to effectively manage resources to achieve the desired outcomes.

Work environment

STREAM 1: Vector-Borne Entomology

The Vector-Borne entomology position is located in the Lethbridge Laboratory, in Lethbridge, Alberta. This laboratory is part of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s national network of thirteen laboratories. The focus of the Lethbridge Laboratory is animal health diagnostics and research.

STREAM 2: Research Entomologist – Molecular Insect Taxonomist

The Research Entomologist – Molecular Insect Taxonomist position is located in the Fallowfield Laboratory, in Ottawa, Ontario. This laboratory is part of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s national network of thirteen laboratories. The focus of the Fallowfield Laboratory is plant health diagnostics and research.

Intent of the process

The intent of this process is to establish a pool of candidates to fill two (2) Research Scientist positions, in the fields of:
1) Vector-Borne Entomology, and
2) Research Entomologist – Molecular Insect Taxonomist.

The staffing pool may also be used to staff various positions with various tenures across the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

As a first step, applicants will be screened on education and experience. Applicants must also achieve the established pass mark for the essential qualifications listed on the Statement of Qualifications. In addition, a "right fit" interview may be administered before an appointment is made from the pool.

An assessment of additional qualifications (e.g. experience, knowledge and competencies) related to the requirements of the position to be filled may be required for appointment.

The SE-RES-01/02/03/04/05 appointment level is based on the incumbent’s qualifications/accomplishments, as determined by the evaluation Committee.

Salary ranges:
SE-RES-01 – $52 695 to $71 825
SE-RES-02 – $65 430 to $101 804
SE-RES-03 – $82 688 to $111 782
SE-RES-04 – $99 027 to $124 110
SE-RES-05 – $108 429 to $135 927

Positions to be filled: 2

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 1,000 words (maximum) "to introduce yourself, and highlight your education, experience and other qualifications. ALTHOUGH THERE IS NO SPECIFIC FORMAT REQUIRED FOR THE COVERING LETTER IT WILL BE USED TO ASSESS YOUR ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE IN WRITING."

Your resume may be used as a secondary source to validate the experience described in your responses to the Screening questions.

Your valid email address (see note 4 in the “Other information” section).

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.

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

ESSENTIAL EDUCATION
Graduation with an acceptable doctoral degree* from a recognized post-secondary institution in the field of entomology or other related discipline.

* Doctoral degree only includes PhD and excludes DVM and MD.

Degree equivalency

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE

For BOTH Streams – Stream 1 AND Stream 2 (Common Essential Experience):

EE1: Experience in conducting collaborative research with universities, government organizations, and/or various stakeholders.
EE2: Experience in developing successful scientific research proposals for funding opportunities.


For STREAM 1 – Vector-Borne Entomology (Lethbridge, Alberta), candidates must ALSO have:

EE3: Experience in scientific research relating to vectors and their identification.
EE4: Experience in scientific research relating to molecular biology.


For STREAM 2 – Research Entomologist – Molecular Insect Taxonomist (Ottawa, Ontario), candidates must ALSO have:

EE5: Experience in scientific research relating to the identification of insect species including agricultural and forest pest species.
EE6: Experience in scientific research relating to the development of molecular taxonomic tools for the identification, systematics, and population genomics (genetics/genotyping) of pest insect species.
EE7: Experience in generating and analysing molecular data (DNA Barcoding, Genetics/Genomics and Bioinformatics).

For clarification purposes, the list below outlines the Essential Experience you are required to demonstrate for each Stream:

STREAM 1 – Vector-Borne Entomology (Lethbridge, Alberta) : EE1, EE2, EE3, EE4
STREAM 2 – Research Entomologist – Molecular Insect Taxonomist (Ottawa, Ontario): EE1, EE2, EE5, EE6, EE7

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

QUALIFICATIONS FOR POOL ENTRY

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE

For STREAM 1 – Vector-Borne Entomology (Lethbridge, Alberta), candidates must have:

EK1: Knowledge of the ecology, identification and classification of disease vectors.
EK2: Knowledge of current principles, techniques and procedures used in “molecular biology” of vectors and disease agents.
EK3: Knowledge of computational techniques commonly used for genomes and bioinformatics.

For STREAM 2 – Research Entomologist – Molecular Insect Taxonomist (Ottawa, Ontario), candidates must have:

EK4: Knowledge of the principals of entomology and insect taxonomy especially relating to agricultural and forest pests.
EK5: Knowledge of current principles, techniques and procedures used in molecular biology
EK6: Knowledge of molecular taxonomic tools for the identification, systematics, population genetics/genomics (genotyping).
EK7: Knowledge of molecular data analysis (DNA Barcoding, Genetics/Genomics and Bioinformatics).
EK8: Knowledge of computational techniques commonly used for genomes and bioinformatics.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES

For BOTH Streams – Stream 1 AND Stream 2 (Common Essential Competencies)

EC1: Analytical thinking
EC2: Ability to transmit information
EC3: Creativity/Innovation
EC4: Effective Interpersonal Relations / Collaboration
EC5: Leadership (Ability to mobilize others)

ESSENTIAL ABILITIES AND SKILLS

For BOTH Streams – Stream 1 AND Stream 2 (Common Essential Abilities)

EA1: Ability to supervise staff, including setting goals and assessing performance.
EA2: Ability to effectively communicate complex scientific subject matter both orally and in writing, including presenting scientific results at scientific meetings and international workshops.

For STREAM 1 – Vector-Borne Entomology (Lethbridge, Alberta), candidates must ALSO have:

EA3: Ability to conduct scientific research in the area of vectors and vector borne diseases as demonstrated in published results in peer reviewed journals. (Productivity/Recognition)

For STREAM 2 – Research Entomologist – Molecular Insect Taxonomist (Ottawa, Ontario), candidates must ALSO have:

EA4: Ability to conduct scientific research in the area of insect identification and molecular taxonomy as demonstrated in published results in peer reviewed journals. (Productivity/Recognition)

For clarification purposes, the list below outlines the Essential Abilities you are required to demonstrate for each Stream:

STREAM 1 – Vector-Borne Entomology (Lethbridge, Alberta) : EA1, EA2, EA3
STREAM 2 – Research Entomologist – Molecular Insect Taxonomist (Ottawa, Ontario): EA1, EA2, EA4

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

ASSET EXPERIENCE

For BOTH Streams - Stream 1 AND Stream 2 (Common Asset Experience):

AE1: Established experience in networking with the scientific community including Governmental Departments, provinces/territories, industry and academia.


For STREAM 1 – Vector-Borne Entomology (Lethbridge, Alberta):

AE2: Experience in scientific research relating to vector borne diseases.
AE3: Experience in scientific research relating to vectors ecology.
AE4: Experience in scientific research relating to genomics and bioinformatics.
AE5: Experience in scientific research relating to the development and validation of new testing methods.


For STREAM 2 – Research Entomologist – Molecular Insect Taxonomist (Ottawa, Ontario)

AE6: Post-doctoral fellowship in entomology.
AE7: Experience in scientific research in the systematics and biology of insects (insect species including agricultural and forest pest species)
AE8: Experience in the molecular identification of insect species to resolve taxonomic problems.
AE9: Experience in the analysis and management of molecular data sets.
AE10: Experience managing multi-year projects with associated human resource, budgetary, and planning functions.
AE11: Established experience in Coleoptera (Beetle) taxonomics.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance - Applicants who have not lived in Canada for the past five (or ten, depending on security level) years may be required to submit a police certificate from each country in which they have lived for six months or more during this period, as well as other documentation required for the security screening process. Failure to submit this documentation if requested will eliminate the application from further consideration.

The following conditions of employment are required for an appointment from the pool:
• Adherence to the CFIA Code of Conduct.
• Adherence to the CFIA Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Policy.
• Compliance with the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector.
• Legal status to accept employment for the entire period of employment.

Any of the following conditions of employment may be required for an appointment from the pool:
• Use of all prescribed safety materials, equipment, clothing and devices.
• Willing and available to work irregular hours (e.g., nights, weekends, statutory holidays).
• Willing and available to work overtime.

Other information

Please ensure that you read ALL points listed below, as this section contains important information about the application process. Failure to read these notes and follow these instructions could result in your application missing required information which may result in your application being eliminated from this selection process.

1. Candidates are entitled to participate in the selection process in the official language of their choice.

2. Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact us toll free at 1-800-645-5605 for assistance. If you require special accommodation at any stage in the selection process, including a technical aid or an alternative method of assessment to ensure an equitable assessment of your qualifications, please indicate this in your application.

3. All applications must be submitted online at www.jobs-emplois.gc.ca. DO NOT email, fax or mail in applications as these will NOT be accepted.

4. For this selection process, the CFIA will communicate with candidates by email. You must provide a valid email address to which you wish to receive communication regarding this selection process.

5. Applicants who are screened in to this selection process will be sent further information by email regarding what to expect during subsequent phases of this selection process.

6. Depending on the number of applicants, CFIA's needs and CFIA HR plans, volume management strategies such as, but not limited to, top-down approach, cut-off scores, random selection and/or assessment may be used for the purpose of managing applications/candidates. Preference may be given to CFIA candidates at any stage of the selection process. Should a volume management strategy be used, communication regarding the application of the strategy will be provided to those candidates who are impacted.

7. During the application or assessment process both cheating and plagiarism are considered forms of misconduct and are not permitted. Any person found cheating, including those who help others to cheat, may be subject to removal from the selection process. For additional information on this subject, please visit: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/cfia-jobs/how-to-apply/eng/1340676915348/1340679107182

8. For more information on how to apply to a CFIA selection process, please visit: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/cfia-jobs/how-to-apply/selection-process/eng/1340892280563/1340892421348.

9. Acknowledgment of receipt of applications will not be sent; we will contact candidates when the screening process is completed.

10. Various assessment tools may be used in this selection process such as: standardized tests, reference checks, written tests, an interview, etc.

11. Your ability to communicate effectively in writing will be assessed via the application.

12. You may be asked to provide proof of your education credentials later in the process.

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce reflective of Canadian society. As a result, it promotes employment equity and encourages candidates to indicate voluntarily on their application if they are a woman, an Aboriginal person, a person with a disability or a member of a visible minority group.

The Public Service of Canada is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or testing, you should advise the Public Service Commission or the departmental official in a timely fashion of the accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

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

Contact information