PhD student - Research Affiliate Program

Update: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to July 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 successful applicant will conduct research to:
• Determine the volatile profile of sweet alyssum flowers using GC-MS and profile variability due to cultivar or growing conditions
• Determine the strength and mechanisms of repellency/deterrence of sweet alyssum flowers and/or their volatile constituent compounds to SWD and their attractiveness/benefit to Drosophila parasitoids
• Determine effects of sweet alyssum plantings in berry crops on SWD and parasitoid populations

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.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 5,000 words (maximum) "Please provide a short (no more than one page) statement of how your 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 University of Guelph, with specialization in entomology and pest management.

Degree equivalency

Experience* planning and conducting laboratory, greenhouse, or field experiments
Experience* contributing to experimental design
Experience* working with insects and plants

*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 insect pests and insect natural enemies
Knowledge of principles in insect chemical ecology
Knowledge of agricultural or horticultural principles

Interactive communication
Planning and organizing
Initiative

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.