Plant Pathology 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 specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Assessment accommodation

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 multiple pathogens on development of pea root rot and pathogen inoculum potential in the soil. The work will consist of performing greenhouse trials, inoculating plants with different combination of pathogens under varying environmental conditions and analyzing plant tissues for disease severity and pathogen biomass. 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. Statistical analysis of data to develop decision support models based on soil variables and inoculum levels will be performed.

Work environment

Greenhouse and lab work will be conducted at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre (LeRDC) of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Lab work will be conducted using shared equipment in various labs at LeRDC.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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 in the Department of Biological Sciences with specialization in plant pathology and root diseases of pulse crops.

Degree equivalency

Experience performing DNA extractions and PCR analysis.
Experience conducting greenhouse trials with plant pathogens and assessing for disease reactions.

*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 pathogens that contribute to root diseases of field crops.
Knowledge 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 lab work with minimal supervision.
Ability to plan and conduct experiments.
Ability to collect data and summarize using simple statistics.

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 designated 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.