Phytochemistry Research Technician

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- Science and Technology Branch

Selection process number
26-AGR-BCAB-EA-STB-68733

Location
Summerland(British Columbia)

Salary
$71,741 to $90,184-Salary under review

Level
EG-04

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

Duties
Under the direction of a research scientist, the technician will:

• Provide leadership and technical support for laboratory-based projects.
• Provide leadership in a plant/fruit chemistry research environment; supervise and assign duties to students and other technical staff as required.
• Supervise activities in a phytochemistry laboratory, maintain supplies and equipment, and ensure operations meet Health and Safety Standards.
• Collect data as per protocols by conducting chemical, physiological, biological, and physical determinations on plant, fruit, beverages and other organic samples as required.
• Maintain equipment, trouble-shoot and conduct measurements of plant, fruit, beverage and other organic samples collected using various techniques, or methods.
• Make wine and cider in a small lot winery and monitor chemical parameters throughout fermentation.
• Assist with sensory evaluations of beverages according to established protocols.
• Establish field trials, maintain them, take measurements and harvest the crop following established experimental design and research protocols.
• Develop Standard Operational Procedures as required, use relevant methodologies and ensure equipment operation and maintenance.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records of experiments performed and results obtained.
• Contribute to the preparation of research reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
• Co‑ordinate research efforts with internal and external collaborators, graduate students and others.

Work environment
The Science and Technology Branch (STB) undertakes agricultural research, development and knowledge transfer activities to support and contribute to the agriculture, agri‑food and agri‑based products sector. We work with industry, academia, Provincial governments and other partners to generate new knowledge, foster innovation and increase adoption and commercialization of agricultural, agri‑food, and agri‑based products, process and practices. Together, we will work to support a resilient and innovative agriculture sector.

The Science and Technology Branch (STB) of Agriculture and Agri‑Food Canada (AAFC) conducts mission‑driven research in support of a sustainable, innovative, and competitive agriculture and agri‑food sector. Research and development efforts are focused on four strategic science missions: climate change mitigation and adaptation, agro‑ecosystem resilience, digital transformation, and the circular economy. The STB is organized into three agriculture regions, each with unique ecological environments to tailor delivery of national priorities to regional needs:
Coastal Region;
Prairie Region; and Ontario‑Québec Region. In addition, there is a Partnerships and Planning Directorate. Our science and technology transfer capacity is distributed across the country in an extensive network of Research Centres, farms, labs, and offices. The incumbent will provide technical support for analytical work at the Summerland Research and Development Centre. The position will involve the supervision of summer students and short‑term technical support staff.

Further, the incumbent will work in a research laboratory and possibly in greenhouse, growth chamber, field conditions and/or Pilot Plant environment as required supporting research activities under the direction of a research scientist with a phytochemistry research program focused on the improvement of fruit and beverage quality. They will obtain samples (plant and food…