PhD Student - 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

• Collection, logging, transport and processing of samples (digesta, urine, fecal material, compost);
• DNA amplification using polymerase chain reaction
• Molecular and microbiology duties include, but are not limited to, PCR, protein extraction, protein purification, SDS-PAGE, Western Blotting, gel electrophoresis, Antimicrobial susceptibility testing,
• Calibration of laboratory equipment;
• Data entry and initial analysis; record maintenance.

Intent of the process

We are looking to hire a PhD student from the Dalhousie University as Dr. Tim McAllister is a CO-PI with Dr. Rob Beiko (Dalhousie University) on the Genomics Research and Development Initiative on Antimicrobial Resistance (GRDI-AMR) project. This individual will work at the Lethbridge Research Centre for the laboratory component of his/her program but will complete course work at the Dalhousie University.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Bachelor of Science degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with acceptable specialization in Biology.

Master of Science degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with acceptable specialization in Molecular Science.

Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by September 2019 in an Interdisciplinary PhD program at the University of Dalhousie.

Degree equivalency

Experience* with molecular microbiology including phylogenetic analysis.
Experience* with antibiotic resistance surveillance.
Experience* working with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
Experience* collecting, tabulating, analyzing and reporting scientific data.

*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 laboratory procedures and techniques related to microbiology and molecular biology.
Knowledge of handling and manipulating routine research experiments.

Planning and Organizing
Adaptability
Initiative
Teamwork

Ability to operate and maintain a variety of laboratory and field equipment.
Ability to collect and perform analyses on biological materials including fecal, rumen and compost samples.

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 overtime including evenings and weekends.
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours.

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 in harsh environments (cold, hot, dust, and noise) with exposure to animal manure and animal body fluids (blood, urine, mucus, infections, semen and vaginal fluids).
Ability and willingness to work in a laboratory with chemicals.
Ability and willingness to work with hazardous chemicals.
Ability and willingness to control known allergies through the use of dust masks and/or medication and not impinge on tasks 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.