Master’s Student Epigenetics - Research Affiliate Program

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Assessment accommodation

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Duties

Nutrition of the beef cow during pregnancy can have permanent effects on growth and carcass characteristics of their offspring via epigenetic modifications to DNA. The research group I will join has two collaborative pre-natal nutritional studies in beef cattle, and our current objective is to quantify, at the epigenetic level, previous phenotypic results of the initial studies, i.e. faster growth and heavier weight at slaughter, yet similar carcass weights in males whose dams were fed a restricted diet during pregnancy. Liver, longissimus and semimembranosus muscles, collected from steer progeny at slaughter will be used to define some of the affected gene pathways and differentially methylated regions (DMRs) for use as targets in future studies designed to optimize pre-natal nutrition to improve post-natal growth and development. All information connecting prenatal nutrition and post-natal phenotype will be used to inform cattle producers regarding the importance of prenatal nutrition for the subsequent calf crop.

The entire project has four main objectives:
1 Determine if DMRs identified in semen WGBS of bull offspring (n=27) exposed to differential prenatal nutrition, are reproducible by quantitative individual fragment bisulfite sequencing analysis (EpiTYPER® DNA methylation analysis, Agena Bioscience), in the same semen samples, as well as in other individuals and tissues from the first prenatal experiments;
2 Identify genes whose expression are possibly under the control of DMRs examined in objective 1 and from the initial WGBS data set, based on the location genes within the vicinity of the DMRs (within 1-2Mb), and the methylation levels at the DMR;
3 Measure gene expression via qPCR in cDNA generated from RNA isolated from tissues of bull (liver, longissimus dorsi, semimembranosus, and testis) and steer offspring (liver, longissimus dorsi, semimembranosus), of genes that may modulate post-natal growth, and/or postulated to be under the control of DMRs identified in Objective 1;
4 Using quantitative DNA methylation and gene expression levels measured in Objectives 1 and 3, as well as growth phenotypes measured in previous projects 2012C002R and 2014F151R, we will determine relationships (linear and non-linear) between the three dependent variables using PROC CORR and/or PROC NLIN of SAS.

The Master's project mainly involves Objectives 1 and 3, but will also help with objectives 2 and 4.

Work environment

Master’s Student sought for research project in nutritional epigenetics in cattle. All project work will be conducted at the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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 will be enrolled by September 2019 in a Master’s degree at the University of Alberta, with a specialization in Animal Science.

Degree equivalency

Introductory experience* with DNA isolation

*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 bovine anatomy and physiology.
Knowledge of genetics of mammalian species.

Initiative
Planning and Organizing
Problem Solving

Ability to perform molecular biology procedures.

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.

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.