Apiculture Ph.D. Student - Research Affiliate Program

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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

- Perform field experiments to evaluate the transfer of honey bee viruses from beeswax comb to larval and adult bees.
- Perform molecular lab assays (qPCR) to quantify levels of honey bee viruses extracted from beeswax comb and from larval and adult bees.
- Summarize and analyze data, and prepare manuscripts from experimental work.

Work environment

The work will be done at the Department of Entomology at the University of Manitoba. The work will be co-supervised by Dr Rob Currie of the Department of Entomology at the University of Manitoba and Dr Stephen Pernal of the Beaverlodge Research Farm at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

The candidate will be required to work outdoors managing honey bee colonies to perform experiments and work in a molecular biological laboratory for the detection of honey bee viruses. Outdoor work will be under a variety of summer weather conditions. Working with honey bee colonies will subject the candidate to honey bee stings and the need to spend long hours outdoors manipulating and managing bee colonies, as well as collecting samples and data.

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

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

Currently enrolled in a PhD program at the University of Manitoba with specialization in Apiculture

Degree equivalency

Experience* in maintenance of commercial or research apiaries.
Experience* in the use of molecular biology to detect honey bee pathogens.

*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 season-round management of honey bee colonies under Canadian prairie conditions.
Knowledge of honey bee disease, parasites and pests.

Interactive Communication
Teamwork

Ability to use scientific instruments and tools, particularly qPCR platforms.
Ability to write reports, technical bulletins, posters and assist in drafting scientific papers.

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.

Operational Requirements
Ability and willingness to work with chemical reagents used to treat honey bee diseases and mites.
Ability and willingness to tolerate honey bee stings.
Ability and willingness to work in a laboratory environment.

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.