Technical Officer, Crop Quantitative Genetics

Automotive and Surface Transportation; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Research Council Canada (NRC) is seeking a Technical Officer to support the Crop Quality Genomics and Genetics team within the Aquatic and Crop Resource Development Research Centre. The role focuses on collecting, analyzing and interpreting genetic and phenotypic data to identify genomic regions and genes affecting crop quality traits.

The successful candidate will contribute to experimental design, data analysis, and reproducible workflows, helping prepare project reports and

Qualifications

• Significant experience in crop plant population development and genetic map construction.
• 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 or prediction models for complex traits.
• Experience in experimental design, execution, reporting, figures and protocols.

Responsibilities

• Support collection, analysis and interpretation of genetic, genomic, and phenotypic data to identify genomic regions and genes tied to crop quality traits.
• Contribute to experiment design, planning and implementation; assist data analysis and interpretation for trait discovery and crop improvement.
• Support data management and reproducible analysis workflows; communicate results for project reports and publications.

Skills

R

Python

Genomic data analysis

Statistical analysis

Data visualization

Report writing

Education

B.Sc. in Plant Science or related

Tools

Genotyping markers development

GWAS

Job description

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Technical Officer, Crop Quantitative Genetics

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.

OrganizationalUnit:Aquatic and Crop Resource Development

Classification:TO-3

Duration: 3 years

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.

Discover the possible

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

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

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.

• *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

The following listed experience would be considered as an asset:

• 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.

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

• Strong ability to analyze large genetic, genomic, and phenotypic datasets, including data cleaning, quality control, statistical analysis, and biological interpretation.
• 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.
• 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 ;

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 Employerand 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 therequisition number (25721) to:

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