Plant Pathology Research Assistant - 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 will explore the interactions between nodulation and root rot infection of pea related to timing of infection and resistance status of pea. Experimental methods will involve inoculation of pea lines with Rhizobium and various root rot pathogens in the greenhouse, RNAseq analysis of differentially expressed genes involved in nodulation and defense responses, followed by gene expression analysis of selected genes at varying time points.

Work environment

Greenhouse and lab work will be conducted at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre (LeRDC) of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Lab work will be conducted using shared equipment in various labs at LeRDC. Occasional travel to Lacombe for work with project collaborators may be required.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 2 references.

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

Currently enrolled or accepted in a PhD program at the University of Lethbridge with specialization in biomolecular science.

Degree equivalency

Experience* working with plant pathogens, plant inoculations and disease assessment.
Experience* applying molecular techniques to plants, such as DNA or RNA extractions, and real-time quantitative PCR.

*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 a variety of molecular methods used for gene expression studies.
Knowledge of plant physiology and plant defense responses.
Knowledge of experimental design of greenhouse trials, and methods for their statistical analysis.

Planning and Organizing
Interactive communication
Initiative

Ability to perform lab work with minimal supervision.
Ability to analyze data and prepare scientific manuscripts.
Ability to present scientific data to a diverse audience.

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.