Part-Time Research Assistant - Research Affiliate Program

Duties

This position is a part time position (maximum 12 hours/week). This part time position will be involved in a project working on the natural ecology of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 in feedlot, dairy, and pasture raised cattle. Since the laboratory activities of this position will be dependent on materials generated by other personnel working on the project, there is a requirement for flexibility in terms of the scheduled time to undertake these activities. Since this will also occur at irregular intervals, there must be flexibility in terms of being able to come and go at various times over the course of the work week, with the possibility of weekend activities. Some weeks there may be no requirements to come to work.

The part time research assistant will be responsible for quantitative-PCR determinations regarding the abundance of specific markers present in cow manure, cloning of specific DNA targets, and archiving bacteria and biological samples. The research assistant is also expected to aid other laboratory staff in the undertaking of various microbiological and molecular activities. In addition to their regular work, additional laboratory responsibilities will also be undertaken, such as inventory control, preparation of laboratory supplies such as autoclaved tips and media, laboratory cleaning, laboratory organization, and maintenance of equipment in a level 02 containment facility. Given the limited laboratory time associated with this position, only candidates with previous training in working in biological containment-02 facilities (Biosafety training) will be considered.

The student will maintain detailed laboratory notes, maintain a clean and safe work environment, work in a safe and prescribed manner with pathogenic/non-pathogenic bacteria, maintain equipment, and inventory control. Incumbent will be responsible for carrying out laboratory based activities related to ongoing AAFC project on E. coli. The student will need to interact and co-operate with senior laboratory staff and other students.

Work environment

Level 02- biological containment laboratory

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 1 references.

A list of the courses you have taken as well as any courses that you are taking now, or that you will be taking this academic year.

You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Other qualifications may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed. Some essential and other qualifications will be assessed through your application. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate examples that illustrate how you meet each qualification. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Currently enrolled or eligible to enroll in an MSc or PhD program for Fall of 2017 from a recognized post-secondary institution with an acceptable specialization in biology, microbiology or molecular biology.

Degree equivalency

Experience with anaerobic and aerobic microbiology
Experience with polymerase chain reactions
Experience in the preparation of scientific reports
Experience using software designed for genomic-based analyses

*In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through the studies, work experience, or volunteer activities.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of aerobic and anaerobic microbiology
Knowledge of working within a containment level-02 laboratory
Knowledge of laboratory safety related to biocontainment level-02
Knowledge of molecular methodologies used in microbial community analyses

Teamwork
Concern for Safety

Ability to apply proper safety practices within a level 02-containment facility

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

Selection may be limited to members of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women

Information on employment equity

Completion of online safety course for working within a Level-02 biocontainment facility in federal government laboratories

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance - Each student hired through the Research Affiliate Program (RAP) must meet the security requirements of the position as a condition of employment, and therefore will be asked by the hiring organization to complete security-relevant documents.

Ability and willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends

Other information

Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. You must apply on-line through www.jobs.gc.ca.

Successful completion of both a RAP work assignment and your educational program may lead to a temporary or permanent federal public service position for which you meet the merit criteria and conditions of employment.

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce reflective of Canadian society. As a result, it promotes employment equity and encourages candidates to indicate voluntarily on their application if they are a woman, an Aboriginal person, a person with a disability or a member of a visible minority group.

The Public Service of Canada is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or testing, you should advise the Public Service Commission or the departmental official in a timely fashion of the accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Preference

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.