MSc Student, Agricultural Entomology - 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 objective of the MSc project will be to develop or refine pest forecast models by conducting field and laboratory experiments. Insect pests of interest include pea leaf weevil, cabbage seedpod weevil, bertha armyworm, and wheat stem sawfly. Work conducted will result in fuller understanding of the ecology and biology of these insect pests and enhance existing predictive models and forecasts of benefit to the agricultural industry. The successful candidate will gain experience designing and conducting entomology experiments, using statistical analyses, using modeling software (CLIMEX and DYMEX), and writing scientific publications.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the graduate program at the University of Saskatchewan, duties of the successful candidate will include: conducting literature reviews; working with the project supervisors to design and execute research pertinent to project objectives; collect, analyze, and report data; write a thesis and publish research (with supervisor guidance) in peer-reviewed journals; act in an ethical and responsible manner.

Research for this project will be conducted in field and laboratory conditions. The successful candidate will be expected to travel (as needed) across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta to collect data in or adjacent to agricultural production systems (i.e. farm land).

Work environment

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) helps farmers and industry feed our country. We work to increase Canada’s exports, while providing leadership in the growth and development of a competitive, innovative and sustainable Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector.

The Saskatoon Research and Development Centre, located in the heart of the Prairies in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, conducts research on prairie crops to support the agri-food industry in Western Canada. It is located on the campus of the University of Saskatchewan.

The Centre emphasizes collaboration between several private and public research organizations and develops integrated crop management strategies for sustainable cropping systems on the Canadian Prairies through combining research in genetics and germplasm development, plant pathology, entomology, plant physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology.

It is the home of the Plant Gene Resources of Canada, an important international repository of crops.

Leading research focuses on the following five initiatives with a supporting role in agronomy and northern agriculture:
•Integrated crop management for sustainable cropping systems on the Canadian Prairies
•Sustainable management of plant diseases and insect pests
•Integrated strategies for genetic improvement of oilseed, legume, and forage crops
•Genetic resource conservation, characterization and utilization
•Bioproducts and bioresources

We are presently looking for a vibrant and dynamic student to work in entomology.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 500 words (maximum)

Contact information for 1 references.

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

Currently enrolled/or eligible to enroll in a Master’s program at the University of Saskatoon in the Department of Plant Science with specialization in agriculture and/or entomology.

Degree equivalency

Experience growing plants and/or rearing insects.
Experience collecting and recording data in a field or laboratory setting for experiments involving insects or plants.
Experience identifying insects.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowlegde in life history and impact of insect pests on field crops (e.g. pea leaf weevil, cabbage seedpod weevil, bertha armyworm).
Knowledge in integrated pest management concept.
Knowledge in basic parametric statistics.

Teamwork
Initiative
Interactive Communication

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

Successful candidate must possess a valid Class 5 driver’s license or equivalent.

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 the successful candidate will be asked 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.