MSc Student Assistantship in Plant Pathology - AMENDMENT TO CLOSING DATE - Research Affiliate Program

Duties

The research project seeks to develop an antibody-mediated real-time assay specific to Aphanomyces euteiches, the causal agent of pea root rot. The student’s work will consist of developing a real-time immuno-PCR assay using antibodies previously produced in the laboratory, for the highly sensitive detection of A. euteiches spores using a combination of immunological, molecular and microscopy techniques. The student will perform laboratory analyses, conduct statistical analyses of the data generated and contribute to the writing of at least one scientific paper.

Our group is looking for a graduate student with an interest in immunological techniques and their use as diagnostic tools in plant pathology. Interest in disease epidemiology is desirable.

Work environment

The work will be conducted at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre (LeRDC) of Agriculture of Agri-Food Canada. Field work will be located near the LeRDC, in southern Alberta, usually accompanied by an experienced technician. The student will also work in laboratories of various scientists at LeRDC collaborating on the project.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 2 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 will be enrolled by December 31, 2017 in a M.Sc. program with specialization in Biological Sciences.

Degree equivalency

Experience working in a lab and field environment.
Experience with plant disease identification and DNA isolation.
Experience collecting disease samples from field plants.
Experience with culturing fungi.

*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 in basic concepts in plant pathology and molecular biology.
Knowledge of safe laboratory techniques.

Well organized
Initiative
Interactive communication
Teamwork

Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Ability to collect soil samples.
Ability to identify plant disease in the field.
Ability to plan experiments.

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

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.

Possession of a valid driver license.
Ability and willingness to work under various weather and environmental conditions (such as biting insects).
Ability and willingness to work in a laboratory, greenhouse and field environments.
Ability and willingness to work with hazardous chemicals to perform laboratory analyses.
Known allergies must be controlled through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication and must not impinge upon the duties to be performed.

Other information

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

Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact 1-800-645-5605.

Candidates will be required to pay for their own travel related to assessment and successful candidates will be responsible for obtaining their own living accommodations.

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.