Research Assistant, Plant Pathology - 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

• Isolation of fungal endophytes and fungal pathogens from grapevines and other hosts.
• Identification, characterization and quantification of fungal pathogens by means of morphological and molecular studies.
• Establish and maintain plants in both greenhouses and experimental vineyard.
• Conduct experiments under guidance and supervision of the PI to determine the effects that abiotic stress factors have on grapevine trunk disease symptoms development.
• Develop and implement molecular assays for detection and quantification of fungal pathogens in plants.
• Carefully collect and compile data; conduct appropriate statistical analyses; prepare reports, presentations, and scientific papers.

Work environment

The Summerland Research and Development Centre (SuRDC) is part of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) national network of 19 research centres. AAFC provides information, research and technology, and policies and programs to achieve security of the food system, health of the environment and innovation for growth. This is a collaborative project between AAFC and the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO). Time will be divided between coursework, writing, and participation in educational activities at UBCO and research that will be conducted largely at SuRDC. Research at SuRDC will be conducted in the laboratory, greenhouses and experimental vineyard. The selected student will need to be able and willing to work at UCBO and at AAFC SuRDC. The student must be willing to commute on a regular basis between the UBCO campus and the Summerland Research and Development Centre.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 500 words (maximum) "Describe different abiotic factors that can play a role on disease development in crops."

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 or willing to enroll in a Master’s program at the Okanagan campus of the University of British Columbia in Kelowna, BC, with specialization in ecology, epidemiology and management of grapevine trunk diseases.

Degree equivalency

Experience* properly handling basic laboratory equipment (i.e. pipetting, microscopes, balance).
Experience* conducting field or greenhouse work.
Experience* handling and maintaining plants in field or greenhouse.
Experience* analyzing and compiling data sets using standard software programs such as excel.

*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 molecular detection techniques including but not limited to PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis.
Knowledge of mycology or microbiology.
Knowledge of statistics and data management.

Planning and organizing
Teamwork
Problem Solving
Adaptability
Initiative

Ability to conduct laboratory, greenhouse and field experiments and operate basic lab equipment, including centrifuges, dissecting microscopes, biosafety cabinet.
Ability to maintain diseased and healthy grapevines under greenhouse conditions.

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.

Possession of a valid driver’s license.
Completion of the AAFC Defensive Driving course within one month of employment.
Ability and willingness to work in the laboratory for extended periods.
Ability and willingness to work overtime when necessary.
Ability and willingness to travel to commercial vineyards in the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys to conduct research.
Ability and willingness to work with microorganisms (fungi) in the laboratory and conduct work in greenhouse and field settings in variable weather condition and terrains.
Ability and willingness to work outdoors in commercial vineyards during hot summer weather and cool and possibly inclement fall weather.

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.