Research Technician – Plant Physiology (woody perennials)

Research Technician – Plant Physiology (woody perennials)

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Science and Technology Branch

Closing date : February 3, 2026 - 23 : 59, Pacific Time

Reference number

AGR26J-086395-000621 Selection process number

26-AGR-ATL-EA-STB-64816 Location

Kentville (Nova Scotia) Employment tenure

Permanent Full-Time Salary

$78,909 to $99,200 - Salary under review Level

EG-05 Who can apply

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

For further information on the organization, please visit .

On this page

About the position

Duties

The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting in the overall operations of a plant physiology program focusing on the primary and sustainable production and storage of horticultural crops. Current and proposed projects prominently feature woody perennial plants such as wine-grape (including the care of two, small research vineyards) and apple production and storage. Duties will include a healthy and engaging mix of computer, desk work, field and lab work. Under the direction of the lead researcher, the incumbent's duties may include, but are not limited to, the following :

• Computer and desk work : literature reviews; input into experimental design; data inputting and analyses; ordering of materials; and helping to onboard, train and organize students and incoming lab employees;
• Lab work : tissue cultures; grafting; conducting of experiments in controlled growth environments; data gathering; competitive assays; work with biologicals and microbiome studies; operation, troubleshooting and maintenance of scientific equipment, including sensors, gas chromatography and high-pressure liquid chromatography;
• Field work : gathering and processing of soil and tissue samples from commercial research plots; data gathering; and maintenance of field plots, including on-site research vineyards. In particular, this position will provide the successful candidate with opportunities to apply their skills and expertise developed in the course of their post-secondary education, as well as to acquire valuable experience and learn new skills. Work environment

The Kentville Research and Development Centre (KRDC) was established in Kentville, Nova Scotia in 1911. One of 20 research and development centres in the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) nationwide network, the KRDC conducts research in the areas of germplasm development, sustainable and environmentally resilient primary production, postharvest handling and storage, and food attributes and safety. KRDC research addresses predominant horticultural crops in the region, such as tree fruits, berry crops, wine grapes and vegetables. Working at the KRDC is an opportunity to work in a dynamic, continually changing research environment dedicated to the acquisition of new knowledge and the creation of a sustainable food network. Intent of the process

Immediate need : 1 full-time permanent position

1 Important messages

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. We also have various employee diversity networks dedicated to ensuring that our department continues to grow as an inclusive employer.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Learn more about .

Able and willing to work overtime during peak periods (e.g., harvest time)

Possession of a valid, class 5 Nova Scotia driver’s licence or other provincial / territorial equivalent

Possession of a valid pesticide applicator’s licence, or able and willing to obtain one within six months of appointment

Able and willing to travel

Able and willing to work in laboratory, greenhouse and field environments for extended periods of time with appropriate safety precautions in place

Able and willing to work outdoors under variable weather conditions

Able and willing to work with hazardous materials while following regular safety precautions

Able and willing to lift boxes and equipment weighing up to 25 kg

Able and willing to stand for extended periods of time on concrete floors and to walk over uneven ground in orchards, vineyards and fields

Able and willing to work in fields where it is necessary to bend over or squat to gather samples from plants or from the ground

You need (essential for the job)

Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following Education :

Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in plant physiology, plant biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or other specialization relevant to the position.At a later stage in the selection process, you will be required to provide documentation verifying your educational credentials.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).

Learn more about .

Experience :

Experience in operating and maintaining lab equipment

Experience in maintaining plants, managing crops (field and controlled conditions) and in collecting plant or soil samples

Experience in conducting research activities in a laboratory (e.g., basic chemistry, titrations, acids and bases, DNA extraction)

Experience with experimental design and statistical data analyses Applied / assessed at a later date Knowledge of lab safety procedures

Knowledge of basic lab techniques (e.g., pipetting, chromatography, molecular, sensors)

Knowledge of methods used in horticultural production and physiological mechanisms and traits that influence plant growthConcern for safety

Initiative

Planning and organizing

TeamworkAbility to operate, maintain and troubleshoot equipment

Language requirements (essential for the job)

Applied / assessed at a later date English essential - You are entitled to participate in the selection process in the official language of your choice.

Learn more about .

You may need (asset qualifications)

May be applied / assessed at a later date Asset Education

A Master’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in plant physiology or in another relevant field.Asset Experience

Experience with tissue culture or other propagation techniques

Experience with molecular techniques and analyses (e.g., DNA extractions, gel electrophoresis, PCR, sequencing, QIIME2, PICRUSt)

Experience with gas chromatography, spectrophotometry, high-pressure liquid chromatography or microplate readers

Experience with developing new lab protocols

Experience in training and organizing the work of others

Experience with the application of controlled pesticides with valid certificationAsset Ability

Ability to operate, adjust, calibrate and maintain sprayers (e.g., handheld, backpack, boom and air blast sprayers)

Our commitment

We're 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 below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Learn more about .

Equity, diversity and inclusion

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

Learn more about .

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.

Learn more about .