Graduate Student (MS/PhD) - 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

AAFC is committed to diversity and inclusion and is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s best diversity employers. We welcome all applicants and strongly encourage candidates to self-declare if they belong to an Employment Equity designated group (i.e. Aboriginal Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, Visible Minorities or Women).

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 successful candidate will have opportunities to conduct research trials in laboratory, greenhouse and fields to understand the berry root health issues as well as explore the management options. The potential research areas include: (i) Isolation and characterization of causal agents associated with berry root rot and wilting complex, (ii) understand the pathogen biology and disease cycle, (iii) exploitation of host-pathogen interaction/host resistance, (iv) Exploration of sustainable management options for the berry root health issue. In addition to academic competency, the successful candidate will be familiar with the berry production system and will have opportunities to interact with growers, industry partners, other graduate students and research technicians.

The day-to-day work will take place at two locations: Simon Fraser University during periods of coursework and some of the laboratory work; and Agassiz, BC for field, greenhouse, and laboratory research.

Work environment

The Agassiz Research and Development Centre was established by the Government of Canada under The Experimental Farm Station Act in 1886. The Centre consists of two independent research sites: Agassiz and Summerland. It is also associated with a satellite location—the Clearbrook sub-station, located 50 kilometres away in Abbotsford, British Columbia.
The scientific research of the Agassiz Research and Development Centre addresses national agricultural priorities in the areas of horticultural and field crop production and protection. These priorities include helping to adapt and remain competitive in domestic and global markets. The research mainly focuses on peri-urban agriculture, which seeks to improve understanding of the flows, interactions and impacts of agriculture systems within densely populated regions.
Day-to-day work will take place at a Government of Canada research facility and Simon Fraser University – each a professional and relaxed setting. Laboratory work will require some prerequisite safety training. About 60 to 70% of the work will be in controlled environments and remaining portions includes field trials.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 2,500 words (maximum) "Describe how you qualify for the position and your research interest. Please make sure you explain how you meet the essential education and experience factors as seen on the advertisement."

Contact information for 3 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 or willing and eligible to enroll in a MS or PhD degree program at Simon Fraser University, in a field of plant pathology, microbiology, agriculture, molecular biology or closely-related field.
Undergraduate or MS courses in plant pathology, microbiology, agriculture, molecular biology or closely-related fields. Preference will be given to the students who have taken plant pathology, microbiology and molecular biology courses.

Degree equivalency

Experience with plant pathogens/microbiology, molecular biology or other relevant field.
Experience in conducting laboratory, greenhouse or field trials.
Experience in an agricultural setting or biological research.
Experience managing higher-level projects or being granted higher levels of professional responsibility.

*In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through the studies, work experience, or volunteer activities.

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

Experience in soil-borne oomycetes (including Phytophthora).

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of plant pathology and plant disease management.
Knowledge of molecular biology and techniques.
Knowledge of principles of agriculture.
Knowledge of experimental design and/or statistics.

Ability to communicate effectively in oral and writing.
Interpersonal skills
Creativity and innovation
Planning and organizing
Initiative
Teamwork

Ability to field visit, plan, design, and set up experiments, collect, record, and analyze data accurately, summarize results and contribute and prepare manuscripts.
Ability to handle multiple tasks or project activities.
Ability to work independently.

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

Familiar with microbial isolation and characterization using traditional microbiology and molecular techniques.
Knowledge of principles of integrated disease management.

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.

Ability and willingness to travel for field work in major berry growing areas in BC.
Ability and willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions for long periods of time.
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.
Ability and willingness to create a balance between working in Agassiz (AAFC, for project work) and Burnaby (SFU, for coursework, academic advising, and committee meetings).

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.