Research Associate, Mass Spectrometry based Plant Proteomics

City: Saskatoon
Organizational Unit: Aquatic and Crop Resource Development 
Classification: RO
Tenure: Term
Duration: 2 years
Language Requirements: English

The NRC Advantage

GREAT MINDS. ONE GOAL. CANADA'S SUCCESS. 

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is the Government of Canada's largest research organization supporting industrial innovation, the advancement of knowledge and technology development. We collaborate with over 70 colleges, universities and hospitals annually, work with 800 companies on their projects, and provide advice or funding to over 8000 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) each year.

We bring together the brightest minds to deliver tangible impacts on the lives of Canadians and people around the world. And now, we want to partner with you.  Let your expertise and inspirations make an impact by joining the NRC.

At NRC, we know diversity enables excellence in research and innovation. We are committed to a diverse and representative workforce, an open and inclusive work environment, and contributing to a more inclusive Canadian innovation system. 

NRC welcomes all qualified applicants and encourages candidates to self-declare as members of the following designated employment equity groups: women, visible minorities, aboriginal peoples and persons with disabilities.

Please advise of any accommodation measures required to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. They are available to all candidates for further assessment. Related information received will be addressed confidentially.

Your Challenge

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 Research Associate (RA) specializing in Mass Spectrometry based Plant Proteomics to broaden and strengthen NRC’s internationally recognized research activities in plant science. The RA would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The primary responsibility of the RA is to support the goals of NRC through research of the highest international calibre and the development and application of proteomics methodologies to advance germplasm development and value-added food processing technologies. The RA will work in a team environment with researchers and technical experts in world-class facilities. Activities will also include the identification of opportunities, development of proposals for new research initiatives, project management, and providing excellence in service to NRC clients. 

The RA will establish an innovative and productive research program in Mass Spectrometry based Plant Proteomics at NRC’s Aquatic and Crop Resource Development (ACRD) Research Centre facilities in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, attracting international academic and industrial collaborators and clients. In addition, the RA will:

• Develop, manage and participate in research projects supporting ACRD strategic priorities in crop bio-resource development and transformative technologies for value-addition that meet current trends and future markets.
• Monitors marketplace for new ideas, innovations and points of collaboration and competition.
• Assemble project teams and propose new research initiatives in response to NRC and client R&D needs as they arise.
• Prepare research papers and technical reports, present research results and represent NRC and ACRD’s strategic priorities at appropriate meetings and conferences.
• Contribute to ACRD’s multidisciplinary research environment by supporting research efforts of NRC colleagues and providing guidance, leadership and technical training as required.

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

PhD in Mass Spectrometry based Proteomics or related field with research experience relevant to the study of plant proteins.

As part of the RA Program you must have received your PhD within the last five years or you expect to receive the degree within the next six months.

Experience

• Experience in operation of different mass spectrometry equipment for proteomics studies.
• Experience in diverse qualitative and quantitative proteomics workflows.
• Experience in proteomics data processing using different software tools.
• Experience in developing protein extraction from complex matrices, such as plant biomass and carrying out plant proteomics studies.
• Experience in the full spectrum of research activities including identification of research requirements, proposal writing, project management, data analysis and reporting through written documentation, presentations and a strong track-record of publishing.
• Experience working and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams (such as computational biologists, other omics platforms etc.).

Condition of Employment

Reliability Status

Language requirements

English 

Assessment Criteria

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

Technical Competencies

• A comprehensive understanding of Mass Spectrometry as it applies to proteomics.
• Demonstrated ability to initiate, manage and coordinate R&D projects in the area of proteomics.
• Ability to work in collaboration with other omics platforms and integrate diverse datasets to understand complex networks in biological systems. 
• Knowledge of scientific method and ability to review, evaluate and implement into technical plan for executing projects.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, ability to communicate effectively internally and externally.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to influence priorities and activities within field of expertise nationally and internationally.
• Demonstrated ability to write high quality research articles, communicate findings to partners, clients, leadership and present findings at relevant conferences, meetings and workshops.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills; ability to build positive working relationships with other departments (Operations, Marketing, Purchasing, Finance etc.).
• Good organizational and time management skills; ability to prioritize effectively, manage multiple projects simultaneously and work under pressure.             

Behavioural Competencies

• Research - Communication (Level 3)
• Research - Creative thinking (Level 4)
• Research - Initiative (Level 2)
• Research - Results orientation (Level 2)
• Research - Teamwork (Level 3)

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

Salary Range
From $56,374 to $159,364 per annum. 

The Research Associate (RA) Program is unique to the NRC. It falls under the RO/RCO classification system which uses a person-based classification system instead of the more common duties-based classification system. Candidates are remunerated based on their expertise, skill, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience.

Notes

Application Requirements:

In order to be considered for the Research Associate program please include the following in your application. Failure to do so will result in your application being excluded from searches.

• Resume
• Transcript
• Two letters of recommendation

When submitting your application you can include the required documents in any attachment field such as «Second language evaluation results» or «Other attachments».

• 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 and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Please direct your questions, with the requisition number (10538) to:

E-mail: NRC.NRCHiring-EmbaucheCNRC.CNRC @nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Telephone: 613-299-4639

Closing Date: 2 November 2020 - 23:59 Eastern Time