Cereal Biotechnology Research Assistant - Research Affiliate Program

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request special accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

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 identify genes and developmental pathways important for promoting androgenesis in cereal microspores. The work will consist of performing plant tissue culture, sample collection for RNA-seq analysis, comparative transcriptomics and CRISPR activator/repressor experiments. Standard molecular biology techniques will be applied. The student will learn basic UNIX commands and data manipulation/analysis using the R programming language.

Work environment

We are looking to hire a Master of Science student from the University of Lethbridge.

The student will be supervised by Dr. John Laurie (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) and Dr. Igor Kovalchuk (University of Lethbridge) and will work on a project entitled “A Comparative Genomics Approach to Improve Doubled Haploid Breeding for Common and Durum Wheat”.

The individual will work at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre for the laboratory component of his/her program but will complete course work at the University of Lethbridge.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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 or accepted in an MSc program at the University of Lethbridge with specialization in Biological Sciences.

Degree equivalency

Experience* working in a plant molecular biology lab.
Experience* applying molecular biology techniques for the study of plant epigenetics.

* 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 plant genetics and epigenetics.
Knowledge of genomics and next generation sequencing technologies.

Problem Solving
Autonomy
Planning and Organizing

Ability to use molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid isolation, PCR and gel electrophoresis.
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

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.

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.