Division: Science and Research Branch, Provincial Services Division
Job Term: 1 Permanent
Salary: $1,380.35 – $1,705.03 Per Week*
*Indicates the salary listed as per the OPSEU Collective Agreement.
Posting Closes: February 5, 2025 11:59 pm EST
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
What can I expect to do in this role?
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
How do I qualify?
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.
How to apply:
- You must apply online.
- Your cover letter and resume combined should not exceed five (5) pages. For tips and tools on how to write a concise cover letter and resume, review the Writing a Cover Letter and Resume: Tips, Tools and Resources.
- Customize your cover letter and resume to the qualifications listed on the job ad. Using concrete examples, you must show how you demonstrated the requirements for this job. We rely on the information you provide to us.
- Read the job description to make sure you understand this job.
- OPS employees are required to quote their WIN EMPLOYEE ID number when applying.
- If you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please Contact Us to provide your contact information. Recruitment services team will contact you within 48 hours.
For more information and to apply, please visit www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/Forest Research Biologist
We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.
The Ontario Public Service is an inclusive employer.
Accommodation is available under the Ontario’s Human Rights Code .