Graduate Student (PhD) - 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).

Duties

There are over 18,000 acres of vineyards in Ontario with a farm gate value of $64 million (2015), making grapes the most valuable fruit in Ontario. Viruses are a prominent limiting factor of grape production worldwide, with Grapevine Red Blotch Virus (GRBV) and Grapevine Leafroll associated-Viruses (GLRaVs) considered as the major viruses in North America. Secondary spread of GRBV is thought to occur by treehoppers, leafhoppers and/or planthoppers, but the ability of particular species to transmit the virus has not been determined in Ontario. Parasitoids (possibly Hymenoptera: Drynidae) may be effective against identified vectors and should be explored as biological control agents. In addition, increased incidence of GLRaVs have been reported in Ontario vineyards, but no research has been conducted on improving management of its mealybug vector(s). New knowledge about relationships among insect vectors, grapes and viruses will be useful for developing effective management strategies for insect vectors, helping to mitigate the economic losses due to viral diseases.
The successful applicant will conduct research to:
• Determine the insect species that transmit(s) GRBV in Ontario vineyards by biological and molecular approaches
• Evaluate the spread of GRBV within or among vineyards (with other project participants)
• Determine management strategies (chemical, biological) for insect vectors of GRBV and GLRaVs
• Develop best management practices for virus control (with other project participants)

Work environment

The Vineland campus of the London Research and Development Centre is located in Vineland Station in the Niagara region, where research is focused on improving integrated pest (insects, nematodes, fungi, bacteria, virus) management in fruit and other specialty crops.
Field research will be conducted at AAFC Jordan Farm, and laboratory and greenhouse research at the Vineland facility and Brock University.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 1,000 words (maximum) "including a statement of how your research experiences and knowledge prepare you for this PhD position."

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 PhD program at Brock University with specialization in entomology, plant pathology, virology, molecular biology, biological control

Degree equivalency

Experience* with agricultural field and/or laboratory and greenhouse experiments

Experience* working with insects, plants and diseases

Experience* with molecular techniques

Experience* participating in and designing and executing experiments

Experience* collecting and analyzing data, summarizing results, and making conclusions

*Note: 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 entomology and integrated pest management
Knowledge of vector – virus – plant interactions
Knowledge of pest – predator/parasitoid interactions
Knowledge of agriculture/horticulture principles

Interactive communication
Planning and organizing
Initiative
Teamwork

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.

Ability and willingness to work outdoors in inclement weather if necessary
Ability and willingness to travel throughout Ontario for field work
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours to achieve research goals

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.