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Postdoctoral Fellow - Molecular Tools for Harmful Algae and Toxin Detection

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:Metrology Research Centre

Classification:RO

Duration: 2 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 significant 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.

The program

Innovating Algal Biotoxin Surveillance Through Digital Immuno-Polymerase Chain Reaction

The role

The postdoctoral fellow (PDF) will develop innovative molecular and analytical methods to improve the detection of harmful algal and cyanobacterial blooms that pose growing risks to food and water security. The PDF will first establish droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assays targeting toxin biosynthesis genes from harmful algal and cyanobacterial species. The methods will enable accurate detection and quantitation of toxin-producing organisms in samples,



supporting improved surveillance and risk assessment. Building on this, the PDF will then develop innovative immuno-ddPCR approaches that combine antibody-based toxin recognition with the amplification and quantitative capabilities of ddPCR for direct toxin measurement at trace concentrations in complex marine and freshwater environments. The PDF will lead work on method optimization and validation cultures and environmental sample sets, while exploring the potential for multiplexed detection. The PDF’s research will advance HAB and toxin monitoring capabilities, improve understanding of occurrence and distribution, and strengthen capacity to protect public health, water resources, and food systems.

Education

PhD degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field

- Significant experience with techniques including DNA/RNA extraction
- Significant experience with polymerase chain reaction (PCR), including quantitative procedures (qPCR, ddPCR) and primer design
- Significant experience in the full spectrum of research activities including experimental design, identification of laboratory equipment requirements, experiment execution, data collection and analysis, and reporting through presentations and publications.
- Experience with harmful algae and cyanobacteria, including species identification, enumeration and culturing techniques




- Experience with immunoassay development and application
- Experience with data handling, coding and bioinformatic techniques

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

Who is eligible?

- Fellowships will be for two years contingent on satisfactory progress achieved during the first year.
- Candidates should have obtained a PhD (or equivalent) within the past three years (PhD received on or after July 1, 2024*) or expect to complete their PhD within 6 months of appointment.
- Fellows will work in a lab under the direct supervision of an NRC researcher.

*Exceptions may be considered to recognize personal or family related leave. Please connect with us using the contact information below to discuss in more detail.

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff the position at the AsRO level, which is an early-career level position with a salary range of $83,985 to $116,641. This wide range accounts for varying degrees of expertise and impact, and growth within the role.

Salary determination will be based on a thorough evaluation of the successful candidate's prior experience. This evaluation will consider specific achievements, skills, and contributions that demonstrate the candidate's impact and expertise. As a guide, the average starting rate for new PhD graduates entering this role is $83,985.

The NRC is committed to supporting career progression within the organization, providing access to the opportunities and resources needed for a pathway to a fulfilling career. NRC employees also enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a ro

📌 Postdoctoral Fellow (Halifax Regional Municipality)
🏢 National Research Council of Canada
📍 Halifax Regional Municipality