MSc Student Assistantship in 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

The research project seeks to develop an antibody-mediated multiplex real-time assay for the simultaneous detection of multiple fungal pathogens . The student’s work will consist of developing a real-time immuno-PCR assay using antibodies, for the highly sensitive detection of fungal spores using a combination of immunological, molecular and microscopy techniques. The student will perform laboratory analyses, conduct statistical analyses of the data generated and contribute to the writing of at least one scientific paper.

Work environment

The work will be conducted at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre (LeRDC) of Agriculture of Agri-Food Canada. Field work will be located near the LeRDC, in southern Alberta, usually accompanied by an experienced technician. The student will also work in laboratories of various scientists at LeRDC collaborating on the project.

Intent of the process

The research project seeks to develop an antibody-mediated real-time multiplex assay for the detection of important fungal pathogens in cereal production, including those causing stripe rust, tan sport and Fusarium head blight. The work will consist of developing a real-time multiplex immuno-PCR assay, using a combination of immunological, molecular and microscopy techniques.

This project is a collaboration between Drs Claudia Sheedy and André Laroche (AAFC-Lethbridge) , as well as Professor Dean Spaner from the Agricultural Food and Nutritional Science Department at the University of Alberta. The student will need to travel to Lethbridge throughout their tenure, as required, for project purposes.

Our group is looking for a graduate student with an interest in plant pathology and cereal production, and who is interested in exploring immunological techniques and their use as diagnostic tools in plant pathology. Interest in disease epidemiology is desirable.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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 M.Sc. program at the University of Alberta with specialization in: Biological Sciences, Plant Pathology, or any other related discipline.

Degree equivalency

Experience* working in a lab and field environment.
Experience* with plant disease identification and DNA isolation.
Experience* with collecting disease samples from field plants.
Experience* with culturing fungi.

*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 in basic concepts in plant pathology and molecular biology.
Knowledge in plant disease.
Knowledge of safe laboratory techniques.

Planning and Organization
Initiative
Interactive communication
Teamwork

Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Ability to collect field samples.
Ability to identify plant disease in the field.
Ability to plan experiments.

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 license.
Ability and willingness to work under various weather and environmental conditions (such as biting insects).
Ability and willingness to work in a laboratory, greenhouse and field environments.
Ability and willingness to work with hazardous chemicals to perform laboratory analyses.
Known allergies must be controlled through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication and must not impinge upon the duties to be performed.

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.