Are you a biologist with expertise in forest biology keen on working with genomic based research regarding the health and ecology of Ontario forests? If so, do not miss this opportunity to become part of this Ministry of Natural Resources' research team in the Science and Research Branch.
The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.
We offer:
• a defined benefit pension plan
• maternity and parental leave top-up benefits which includes adoptive parents
• comprehensive health plan
• life and disability insurance
• flexible work arrangements
• collegial and professional work culture
• career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas
• on-the-job training to support your success in the role
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit the
OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the
OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's
Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.
About the job
In this role, you will:
• apply genomic techniques to the analysis of tree, forest or forested wetland health/productivity/ecology data or samples
• work with computer database software, interpret and work with scientific models, produce summaries, graphs, and tables to communicate methods and results
• present methods and scientific findings in written reports, manuscripts and presentations
• assist the Research Scientist in planning, designing, organizing and implementing research projects
What you bring to the team
Mandatory requirement:
You must have a valid class 'G' driver's licence or equivalent, as recognized by the Province of Ontario. The offer of employment is conditional upon the successful candidate providing proof that they have a valid driver's licence upon being hired.
Technical expertise:
• You have knowledge of forest (or forested wetland) ecology, biology, molecular plant pathology, and genomics techniques.
• You have a demonstrated ability to identify, collect, and process samples or biological data pertaining to forest health or ecology.
• You have the ability to extract RNA/DNA from different plant species, soil, water, nematodes and insects.
• You have the ability to design and optimize various PCR and qPCR assays, and employ cloning to study virus/gene transient expression, and subsequent bioinformatics analysis.
Field and lab expertise:
• You have knowledge of laboratory equipment to analyze forest data or samples, including specialized molecular, microscopy, and/or next generation sequencer equipment.
• You are skilled in operating and maintaining laboratory, field work, and growth facility equipment to be directly involved in forest health/ecosystem research.
• You have knowledge of management principles to organize complex scientific datasets, analysis, and reporting conclusions through publication, government reports, and oral presentations/briefings.
Communication skills:
• You have demonstrated writing skills to prepare technical reports or scientific literature including creating figures of illustrations, graphs and tables.
• You have the ability to communicate with staff, public, agencies, and research collaborators with tact and good judgment in order to foster understanding of client science needs and foster scientific collaboration on various projects.
Computer skills:
• You have knowledge of experimental design and the use of statistics and computer programs in biological research.
• You have strong word processing, presentation, spreadsheet and database management skills.
Project management skills:
• You have proven initiative, leadership and project management skills in order to coordinate and implement several research projects concurrently.