Plant Pathology Research Assistant - Research Affiliate Program

Important messages

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Information on accommodation for persons with disabilities

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice. Applicants are asked to indicate their preferred official language in their application.

Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required. Candidates who apply to this selection process should include an email address that accepts email from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email).

Duties

The research project seeks to assess the effect of Brassica cover crops and rotation on root rot of peas and pathogen inoculum potential in the soil. The work will consist of performing field trials, analyzing soils for soil health parameter indicators, and molecular techniques to quantify changes in soilborne pathogen inoculum over time. The student will also assess different high-throughput DNA extraction methods and molecular techniques (qPCR, ddPCR and LAMP assays) for the most accurate but rapid method of soilborne pathogen quantification. In the fall/winter months statistical analysis of data to develop decision support models based on soil variables and inoculum levels will be performed.

Work environment

Field and lab work will be conducted at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre (LeRDC) of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. During the growing season, routine travel to field sites located at Lacombe and Taber maybe required. Lab work will be conducted using shared equipment in various labs at LeRDC.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 2 references.

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

Currently enrolled or accepted in a PhD program at the University of Saskatchewan in the Department of Plant Sciences with specialization in plant pathology.

Degree equivalency

Experience working with soilborne oomycete pathogens, soil DNA extractions, and DNA analysis.
Experience applying molecular techniques for the quantification of soilborne plant pathogen inoculum.

*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 a variety of molecular methods for quantifying plant pathogens from soil and plant tissue.
Knowledge of experimental design of field and greenhouse trials, and methods for statistical analysis.

Planning and Organizing
Interactive communication
Initiative

Ability to perform field and lab work with minimal supervision.
Ability to analyze data and prepare scientific manuscripts.
Ability to present scientific data to a diverse audience.

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.

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.

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the targeted groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

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.

Preference

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

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