Recruitment Campaign for Careers in Biology for Persons with Disabilities (Information Page for Candidates)/Job Profiles

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One of the strengths of the Public Service of Canada is the diversity of its employees, but also the diversity of its jobs. Below are some examples of biologist profiles.

NATURAL RESOURCES CANADA (NRCAN)

Research Biologist

Biologists can work for the Canadian Forest Service, a division within Natural Resources Canada, where they conduct research to understand the impact of certain species on natural resources and traded goods like lumber and develop ways to combat common issues, as part of their core mandate. Collaborating closely with the provinces and territories to ensure our forests are sustainable and healthy, they provide science and policy expertise and advice on national forest sector issues. Playing a critical role in the advancement and transformation of the forest sector, biologists work in the field, office, and laboratory settings.

POSSIBLE DUTIES

• Studying various aspects of biology, population dynamics and management options in order to minimize the damage from forest pests
• Finding solutions related to traded goods that are impacted by invasive species such as forest quarantine pests
• Working with reference collection of museum style taxonomy used in identification of insects
• Designing and building devices and tools to combat issues related to traded natural resources like heat treatment for wood that eliminates invasive pests
• Researching and developing tools to monitor and assess change in Canada's forests
• Researching questions for international regulatory bodies and Canadian regulatory bodies like CFIA
• Gathering and collecting specimens like insects and fungi in the field, including hiking in the bush
• Managing experiments with students and casual employees
• Working with supervisors to plan research and deliver results to stakeholders and management
• Conducting research on forest carbon cycles, including improving models and predictions to meet international climate change reporting requirements and find ways to reduce our impact on greenhouse emissions

CAREER SPOTLIGHT

After starting out as a COOP student with Natural Resources Canada, Esme John accepted a position with CFIA where he worked for a few years before returning to NRCan in 2020. Now he works on similar projects to the ones he started as a student and casual employee back in the day, and even sometimes collaborates with his previous department, the CFIA. He enjoys the field work component of his job, such as hiking in Victoria’s vibrant forest to gather and collect specimens of insects and fungi. He also appreciates the supports that are available to him as a Biologist in NRCAN, where researchers with lower mobility can request support from a team of Research Technicians to collect specimens from the fields.

PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY OF CANADA (PHAC)

Computational Biologist

Computational Biologists for the National Microbiology Laboratory can undertake and lead scientific innovation, diagnostic development, methods in support of outbreak detection and management, development of novel bioinformatics methods and applications, as part of their core mandate. Focusing on various health fields, including bacterial pathogens, enteric and viral diseases, zoonotic diseases and special pathogens and public health risks, biologists work both in office or remotely and in laboratory settings.

POSSIBLE DUTIES

• Analyzing and reading scientific data, including scientific papers, related to the various fields
• Writing and publishing scientific papers on scientific findings
• Implementing software solutions for pathogens to discern the types of pathogens
• Working on data to pinpoint what is the most prevalent strain of pathogens affecting certain age groups, e.g. who are most susceptible to COVID-19?
• Working with various tools and software such as ECOli genotyping software and communication platforms with various coding language
• Aiding in the transition from Bionumeric software to the use of IRIDA, a platform developed in Winnipeg for storing genomic sequencing projects and making it sharable with other stakeholders
• Working through issues of data transfers between the various laboratories across the country
• Programming with bioinformatic software, including flagging and debugging issues in the software
• Working with mentors on various tasks and projects
• Problem solving highly detailed and highly focused tasks, such as debugging codes
• Engaging in projects, e.g., improving the accessibility of scientific users to help visualize scientific data and providing more options other than Excel

CAREER SPOTLIGHT

After doing his bachelor’s in science, majoring in Computer Science and minor in Biology, Dr. Kyrylo Bessenov achieved his PhD in Biocomputation where he focused on R and Python modeling tools and now works with the Public Health Agency of Canada, having published many important scientific contributions. For those interested in entering the growing field of Computational Biology, Dr. Bessenov suggests a bachelor’s in biology and master’s in bioinformatics as possible pathway to take, although, many of his colleagues are self-taught coders. As a Computational Biologist in PHAC, Dr. Bessenov can perform the majority of his work from home.

AGRICULTURE & AGRI-FOOD CANADA (AAFC)

Biologists can support the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector through initiatives that promote innovation and competitiveness. Supporting various sectors such as Forage and Beef, and Agri-Ecosystem Resilience, Virology, Food and Non-Food related initiatives. This can include a wide range of projects like investigations, conducting research and data analysis and from end to end of the food production process. Biologists work both in office or remotely and in field and laboratory settings.

Research Scientist

• Managing and collaborating with assistants and technicians on research including project, proposal signing, and design
• Answering questions from the cereal grain industry and conducting research related to food trends, such as oat milk
• Conducting experiments on genotypes
• Working with stakeholders in various capacities, such as working with breeders to find optimal solutions, work with consumers for product evaluation (e.g. – sensory preferences) and clinical trials (for supporting health promotion)
• Contributing to marketing aids for Canadian grain products
• Working on the whole spectrum, from selecting to final implementation to address challenges in the industry
• Examining how threats to consumer sentiment can/may impact Canadian grain market testing, and proposing ways to improve
• Examining common consumer myths regarding Canadian grain products and design research studies to debunk those myths

CAREER SPOTLIGHT

As a Research Scientist with AAFC, Dr. Lovemore Nkhata Malunga’s responsibility falls within the study of grain quality. His focus is the structural–activity relationship of cereal grain and pulse components with their perceived functional or nutritional properties and how processing affects this relationship. He also investigates the effect of genotype, environment, processing, and their interaction on cereal grain quality traits. His research program addresses the needs of all members of the value chain, from producers, breeders, industry and consumers (farm to fork). Currently, he is able to work in a hybrid arrangement where he can work with various teams virtually in his home office to provide advice and design research study. Occasionally, for tasks that would require him to be more hands-on to work with specialized research equipment, he would work in the laboratory at Richardson Center for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals in Morden, Manitoba; a satellite location of AAFC’s Morden Research and Development Centre.

Computational Biologist

• Managing the laboratory, including purchasing, shipping, and receiving
• Designing various experiments related to microbial biodiversity discovery, phytopathogen biovigilance, agroecosystem sustainability and resilience, as well as the environmental impacts of agricultural production
• Conducting investigative and technical procedures such as DNA & RNA purification and extraction, computational cleaning, and processing of raw data
• Developing, monitoring, and maintaining experimental systems such as growing and harvesting bacterial, fungal, cell and/or viral cultures
• Growing/rearing research subjects such as plants and animals
• Processing and analyzing data using various methods such as genome assembly, statistical analysis, sequence alignment, etc.
• Developing novel software
• Scientific writing and communications for manuscripts, reports, and publications

Pilot Plant Manager & Biological Safety Officer

POSSIBLE DUTIES

• Ensuring containment level training is provided to staff and maintaining any training documents
• Interpreting various Acts, Regulations and Policies that impact daily tasks and activities in the organization
  • Ensuring activities in the containment laboratory are compliant with the Human Pathogens and Toxic Act/Regulation
  • Ensuring compliance with AAFC's Containment Biosafety and Biosecurity program.

• Collaborating and working with others on a regular basis, including participating in committees such as National Containment Biosafety and Biosecurity Committee (NCBBC)
• Conducting investigations and compile information for reports, which may be communicated with other parties
• Working with various team members and management and agencies, including delivering reports to management and other stakeholders like PHAC
• Aiding to manage issues, such as malfunctioning equipment, within in the laboratory
• Maintaining and working within timelines to complete projects and ensure minimal downtime with issues that arise

CAREER SPOTLIGHT

Christine Carey works as a Pilot Plant Manager & Biological Safety Officer at the Guelph Research & Development Centre of AAFC. As the chair of the Local Biosafety and Biosecurity Committee, Christine Carey's role with AAFC has a great focus on engaging with different internal teams to ensure compliance and to conduct investigations when issues arise. Working with research scientists and other stakeholders, she ensures that projects and initiatives are compliant with the various acts and regulations, including ensuring compliance with other country's regulations.

Rangeland Biologist

POSSIBLE DUTIES

• Contributing to research in forage species and mixtures, pollinator habitat plantings, and grazing effects on plants and soils
• Designing and conducting experiments
• Gathering data from various sources, including field data and laboratory data (indoors and outdoors)
• Traveling via fleet to complete various projects
• Collaborating with team members, managers, internal and external stakeholders
• Communicating between various parties within and external to the agency, including presenting data and findings to team members, management, and stakeholders
• Supervising and working with students and/or technical staff
• Working with various tools and software depending on the task, including computer work and laboratory work

CANADIAN SPACE AGENCY (CSA)

Exploration Scientist 

Biologists can work for the Space Life Sciences Unit, where they support research and technology development to reduce health risks of spaceflights and working with external stakeholders, including private organizations and agencies on scientific research. Promoting peaceful use and development of space, they work on various projects, focusing on research, space awareness and space learning. They may attend national and/or international conferences to share research and scientific advancements in the field. Biologists work mostly in an office setting.

POSSIBLE DUTIES

• Collecting scientific information from literature or through consultations
• Preparing and synthesizing of information, including making recommendations on specific initiatives
• Supporting the development of new initiatives by performing literature reviews or scientific community consultation and support the ethical review process of scientific investigations
• Managing grants and contracts as a Technical Authority
• Assisting senior scientists with the management of scientific data
• Managing funded project objectives and evaluate its progress
• Preparing briefing notes, syntheses and/or reports on a regular basis
• Collaborating with team members throughout various steps of projects, initiatives, and day to day tasks
• Developing scientific instruments for data collection
• Working with external investigators on any investigations related to astronaut flights
• Using human participants as well as model organisms to study effects of spaceflight including the side effects of weightlessness, isolation, and space radiation
• Studying cells in space to improve understanding of the human immune system

CAREER SPOTLIGHT

Luchino Cohen works within the Space Life Science Unit at John H. Chapman Space Center of the CSA. Over the years, he has worked on various projects, where he and his team support research of important technologies and development to reduce astronaut's health risks during spaceflights. To achieve this, his unit does a lot of research, literature reviews, as well as organizing scientific workshops and symposia. You can view some of Luchino’s past research publications by visiting his profile in our Directory of Scientists. 

FISHERIES & OCEANS CANADA (DFO)

Biologists

Biologists conduct basic and applied research to extend knowledge of living organisms, to manage natural resources, and to develop new policy-based practices and products related to marine biology. They are part of a team that is responsible for safeguarding our waters and managing Canada's fisheries and oceans resources and help to ensure healthy and sustainable aquatic ecosystems through habitat protection, research, and application of science. They are employed in laboratory, field, and office settings.

POSSIBLE DUTIES

• Planning and conducting studies of the environment, and of the population, distribution, structure and functional characteristics and behaviour of plants and animals.
• Conducting ecological and environmental impact studies and prepare reports.
• Studying, identifying, and classifying plant and animal specimens.
• Using various tools in a laboratory and office setting such as textbooks, laboratory equipment and MS Office
• Conducting experiments in plant or animal growth, heredity, and breeding.
• Preparing reports and plans for management of renewable resources.
• Publishing strategies and plans reporting on the recovery and protection of aquatic species and their critical habitat.
• Supporting conservation of fisheries and oceans resources by chairing and/or participating in conferences, committees and working groups.
• May supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.
• Communicating with team members to ensure continuity and progress on projects and experiments
• Working in various field conditions, including work on vessels and on the shoreline
• Verifying policies concerning use of government vehicles like a marine vessel
• Collaborating within a team and with partners, internal and external
• Working on policies that contribute to research and conservation of aquatic wildlife

Species at Risk Biologists

CAREER SPOTLIGHT

Image of Fiona Wagner

Fiona Wagner is an alumnus of Carleton University, where she graduated with a degree in Biology and Biotechnology. During her studies, Fiona started out as a research student in the Environmental Response Program at the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) before diving into Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). She gained momentum as a junior policy analyst in Ecosystems Management before establishing herself as a Species at Risk Biologist in Biodiversity Management. Fiona chose the Government of Canada as her employer to make a positive impact on the life of Canadians.

During her time with CCG, Fiona focused on researching marine oil pollution spill incidents and performing quality assurance on national tools. In DFO, she studied ways to enhance the tracking and measurement of fish mortality rates, and reduce the risk factors associated with the death of fish caused by the hydropower industry. More recently, she has worked closely on species at risk files and publications focused on marine and freshwater species, such as high-profile whales, sculpins, sticklebacks, mussels, and snails.

Outside of this work, she could work on numerous other projects with the flexibility offered to her in her roles. She has contributed to redesigning national recovery tools and processes, led university capstone projects, and collaborated in nationwide working groups while still able to pursue a personalized language and skills training plan.

She continues to broaden her involvement in countless projects that serve the meaningful purpose of supporting the recovery and protection of aquatic species at risk, and ultimately fostering positive impacts to important, real-world applications directly related to her field of study.

Fiona’s experience with Accessibility and Accommodations in the Federal Public Service has been a very positive one. By joining the Federal Government, a personal willingness to seek accommodation is promptly met with mutual willingness from managers to accommodate and support their employees as needed, helping to set them up for success. There are many ways to accommodate for an employee in our workplace by using a customized plan tailored to their unique needs to avoid a one-size fits all approach.