Master’s student - Research Affiliate Program - Research Affiliate Program

Update: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to April 23, 2019 - 23:59, Pacific Time.

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 duties of the incumbent will include, and not limited to, growing plants in greenhouse and/or field, assessing disease symptoms and collecting phenotypic data, collecting and processing samples, generate molecular data, contribute to mapping, writing thesis, presenting seminars and posters, defend the masters thesis.

Work environment

Under minor supervision, the incumbent will be responsible for phenotyping and characterizing flax populations for powdery mildew disease resistance and contribute to mapping phenotype-to-genotypes. The incumbent will be based at the AAFC Charlottetown Research and Development Centre (CRDC).

The Charlottetown Research and Development Centre was established in 1909 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

The Centre has an office-laboratory complex in Charlottetown and a research farm in Harrington, PEI, where it conducts research trials in field and greenhouse on a variety of crops and cropping systems.

The overall research direction for Charlottetown Research and Development Centre is to take production beyond traditional commodity-based markets and to open new areas to producers in the Region while maintaining environmental sustainability. The Centre leads research in:
• Integrated crop production systems and agricultural diversification
• Bio-based products and processes from bioresources in existing and emerging crops
• Environmental sustainability and improved performance of the agricultural production system

Intent of the process

The pool may be used to fill other positions in the laboratory or at the centre.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 500 words (maximum) "stating your interest in this project and how you feel that you fit as an ideal candidate."

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 in a recognized post-secondary academic institution with specialization in: agricultural science, plant biology, plant pathology, biochemistry, microbiology, or any relevant area.

Degree equivalency

Experience* in laboratory and field or greenhouse work.
Experience* in conducting literature review and summarizing information under different formats such as written reports and/or presentations.

*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 biology, plant disease, molecular biology.
Knowledge of statistical concepts and experimental design.

Teamwork
Attention to detail
Initiative
Adaptability
Interactive communication

Ability to record, keep and maintain accurate, detailed and well organized records and collecting and interpreting data.
Ability to use computer software for spreadsheets, organizing and analyzing data.

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

Ability and willingness to work in laboratory with hazardous materials.
Ability and willingness to work in greenhouse and on occasion under rain and heat environment in field conditions.
Ability and willingness to do repetitive tasks.

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.

Valid driver’s license
Ability and willingness to travel for field work.

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.