Technical Officer, Crop Root Multi-omics

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the National Research Council (NRC)recently named one of Canadas 2025 Top Employers for Young People a 2025 Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canadas Best Employers!

As Canadas leading research and technology organization our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canadas future and the world.

At the NRC youll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. Youll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly youll discover whats possible within you as you grow make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career discover your possible at the NRC.

The Role

Help bring research to life and drive your career forward with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) Canadas largest research and technology organization.

We are looking for a Technical Officer to support our Integrated Omics and Climate Resilience team within the Aquatic and Crop Resource Development Research Centre (ACRD). The Technical Officer would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity Excellence Respect and Creativity.

The successful candidate will play an important role within a multi-disciplinary team working to discover and implement technologies to enable development of crops with enhanced productivity and resilience. Specifically the successful candidate will work within projects focused on the identification of beneficial crop root traits using a variety of 2D and 3D high-throughput imaging platforms.

Key focus areas will be:
1. Developing high-throughput screening methods for crop root improvement
2. Assessing root diversity across various Canadian field and forage crops
3. Collecting multi-omics data to integrate DNA variants with gene protein and metabolite expression and
4. Identifying key climate-resilience traits and the underlying genes and allelic variants for resilient root systems.

Responsibilities include contributions to experimental design data management analysis and interpretation of results and recommendations for workflow improvements as needed. The incumbent will also be responsible for maintaining laboratory and phenotyping equipment and keeping detailed experimental records.

About ACRD

We perform advanced scientific research and provide research services and technology development for the sustainable transformation of Canadian bio-based resources into higher-value products. Our crop-based research focuses on ensuring a diverse and sustainable supply of resources for the Canadian agriculture and food ecosystem.

For crop resource development at ACRD we are developing advanced tools and technologies to:
Increase the productivity resilience and sustainability of traditional and economically important crops for Canada.
Optimize the production of plant-based protein ingredients.
Advance data-driven and AI-ML solutions for Canadas agriculture and food strategies.

More

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

. in Biology Crop Science or related discipline from a recognized university with coursework in plant (or crop) physiology molecular biology and genetics.

For information oncertificates and diplomas issued abroad please see Degree equivalency

Experience

*Significant experience in experimental studies focused on plant root systems.
*Significant experience with candidate gene identification including fine mapping and/or functional genomics using molecular biology techniques such as DNA- or RNA-sequencing.
Experience using R and/or Python for data science and bioinformatics.

Assets:
Experience with high-throughput digital phenotyping and development of crop digitization pipelines. Skills in 3D and/or hyperspectral (NIR/SWIR) imaging.
Experience in metabolite and / or protein extraction and analysis.
Experience in research involving plant-microbe interactions.

*Significant refers to a minimum of three (3) years of experience.

Condition of Employment

Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Language Requirements

English

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment Criteria

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

Technical Competencies

1. Knowledge of plant root system architecture root development and plant mineral nutrition.
2. Knowledge of image capture techniques for plant phenotyping and familiarity with image analysis.
3. Knowledge of plant genetics and fine mapping approaches including the development of molecular markers for screening large populations.
4. Knowledge of bioinformatics including sequencing data analysis and code development and documentation in R and /or Python.
5. Ability to write draft manuscripts reports and protocols including the development of standard operating procedures.

Behavioural Competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s):Research

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $66126to $91012per annum.

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan comprehensive health and dental coverage disability and life insurance office closure at the end of December and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Notes

In 2025 the NRC has been chosen as one of Canadas Top Employers for Young People the National Capital Regions Top Employers and Forbes Canadas Best Employers.
Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRCs directives.
A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one-year period.
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.
The position requires occasional movement of heavy objects (up to 22kg) and team movement of objects up to 46kg using tools such as a lift cart or 5-caster dolly.
We thank all those who apply however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.