Technical Officer, Crop Quantitative Genetics

National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 66,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Research Council Canada (NRC) invites applications for a Technical Officer in the Aquatic and Crop Resource Development Research Centre in Saskatoon. You will join a multidisciplinary team focused on genetic improvement of crop quality traits and contribute to data analysis, experimental design, and interpretation of genomic data.

You will work with R and Python to analyze large datasets, develop reproducible workflows, and help prepare project reports and peer-reviewed

Qualifications

• B.Sc. in Plant Science, Crop Breeding, Biology, or related discipline with genetics, plant physiology and molecular biology coursework.
• For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency.
• Experience in crop plant population development, genetic analysis, QTL mapping, GWAS, and marker development.
• Asset: machine learning applications to biological/genomic data.
• Experience with genotype-by-sequencing and/or whole-genome sequencing data analysis.
• Experience in biochemistry of seeds or grains.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to experiment design, planning and implementation for trait discovery.
• Analyze data and interpret results to advance crop improvement objectives.
• Contribute to data management and reproducible analysis workflows.
• Communicate results to help prepare project reports and peer-reviewed publications.

Skills

Genetic data analysis

GWAS/QTL mapping

Scientific writing

Team collaboration

English communication

Education

B.Sc. in Plant Science / Crop Breeding / Biology

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, Indigenous Peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.

• The Employment Equity Act , which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.

Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.

City: Saskatoon

Organizational Unit: Aquatic and Crop Resource Development

Classification: TO-3

Tenure: Term

Duration: 3 years

Language Requirements: English

Work arrangements

• Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require full-time physical presence at the NRC work location identified.

At the NRC, we recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities and you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required. To learn more about these options, please contact the NRC Hiring team using the contact information below.

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2025 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s largest research and innovation 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 Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s 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

We are looking for a Technical Officer to support our Crop Quality Genomics and Genetics team within the Aquatic and Crop Resource Development Research Centre (ACRD). The successful candidate would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

As part of a multidisciplinary team focused on genetic improvement of crop quality traits, the successful candidate will support collection, analysis and interpretation of genetic, genomic, and phenotypic data to identify genomic regions and genes associated with crop quality traits. Responsibilities include contributions to experiment design, planning and implementation, data analysis and interpretation to advance trait discovery and support crop improvement objectives. This position will also contribute to data management, reproducible analysis workflows, and the communication of results to help prepare the project reports and peer-reviewed publications.

Screening criteria

Education

B.Sc. in Plant Science, Crop Breeding, Biology, or related discipline from a recognized university with degree coursework in genetics, plant physiology and molecular biology.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• Significant experience in crop plant population development, analyzing large populations or diversity panels, including genetic map construction, QTL mapping and GWAS, maker development and validation.
• Significant experience using R or Python to analyze biological, genetic and genomic datasets.
• Significant experience with functional genomics, fine mapping, candidate gene identification and validation.
• Experience with genomic selection, genomic prediction models, or prediction of complex quantitative traits.
• Experience in the full spectrum of research activities including experimental design and execution, ability to work independently, preparing technical reports, figures, presentations, protocols

Asset experience

• Experience in applying machine learning methods to biological, genomic, phenotypic datasets, data integration.
• Experience with genotype-by-sequencing and/or whole-genome sequencing data analysis.
• Experience in research involving biochemistry of seeds or grains.
• Significant experience refers to a minimum of three (3) to 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

Technical competencies

• Strong ability to analyze large genetic, genomic, and phenotypic datasets, including data cleaning, quality control, statistical analysis, and biological interpretation.
• Proficiency in genetic mapping approaches, including QTL mapping, genome-wide association studies, genetic map construction.
• Solid knowledge of fine mapping approaches including the development and validation of molecular markers, and validation of candidate genes.
• Proficiency in R and/or Python for data analysis, visualization, and development of reproducible analysis workflows.
• Ability to document methods, scripts, workflows, and analysis results in a clear, organized, and reproducible manner.
• Ability to write draft manuscripts and technical reports.

Behavioural competencies

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

Competency Profile(s)

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

Compensation

From $66,126 to $91,012 per 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 was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a National Capital Region Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's 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.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Please direct your questions, with the requisition number (25721) to:

Email: [e-mail]

Telephone: [phone]

Closing Date: 02 September 2026 - 23:59 Eastern Time

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• If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC, please apply through the SuccessFactors Careersmodule from your NRC computer.