Research Assistant - Research Affiliate Program

Duties

The candidate will conduct research on designing and testing molecular assays for detecting ergot fungi using genomic data. This includes both intensive lab and computer work. Responsibilities include experimental design, laboratory bench work and data analyses. The candidate will have the opportunity to present findings to a variety of audiences and write findings in publication. Progress and productivity will be subject to periodic review.

Work environment

The lab is located at Ottawa Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Ottawa. Ontario). The Ottawa Research and Development Centre was established in 1886 and has been playing a leading role in many aspects of agricultural research in Canada including crop development, biodiversity, pest management, and molecular biology. The centre has been well equipped with genome sequencing facilities and bioinformatics support. One of the centre’s mandates is to provide theoretical and applied scientific bases for protecting Canadian agriculture and food safety. With the surging concern about detrimental mycotoxin effects on crop quality, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada is establishing an inter-department and inter-discipline research network on emerging mycotoxins of potential importance for Canadian agriculture and regulation of domestic commodities and international trade. Ergot fungi (Claviceps purpurea) infect the pistils of blooming cereal and grasses, and replace the healthy seeds with a fungal overwinter structure, sclerotium, which contains toxin harmful to animals and humans. The successful candidate will work in Dr. Liu’s lab, a part of the team to conduct research on molecular detection and genomics of ergot fungi.

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 in a Doctorate or Master’s program from a post-secondary institution with acceptable specialization in Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Molecular biology, Mycology, or related science fields.

Degree equivalency

Experience in molecular techniques (DNA purification, PCR, Real-time PCR, electrophoresis etc.).
Experience in using bioinformatic tools to analyze DNA data, and adept at learning new computer programs for genomic study.
Experience in microbiology techniques (Isolating, culturing, purification and maintaining microbiological cultures; handling biological specimens; using light microscope, and microphotograph etc.).

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Teamwork
Planning and Organizing
Problem Solving

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

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.