Master Student (Research Assistant) in host-pathogen interaction - 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

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

We are looking for a friendly, organized team player with interest in research, who is highly self-motivated, is able to work independently, has excellent written and oral communication skills and has demonstrated excellence at the academic level and in research. Strong problem-solving skills are highly desired. A combination of the following laboratory skills would be beneficial: experience in molecular biology (DNA, RNA, and Protein), genomics, proteomics, plant cell biology and molecular mapping, and Bioinformatics knowledge will be an asset.

The candidate will be responsible for providing both analytical and technical support for the Identification and characterization of novel gens with deferential geographical expression. For this reason a graduate student with previous research experience in plant genomics, transcriptomics, RNA sequencing and bioinformatics will be required. The student will be expected to have prior experience routine molecular biology techniques such as, DNA/ RNA extraction, PCR, electrophoresis, sequencing, bioinformatics (PIPE software) and etc. Other tasks may include preparation and handling of microbial cultures involving proper aseptic technique; solvent extraction; and proper chemical waste management and routine laboratory maintenance.

Work environment

The site of work is situated on the fourth floor of the Neatby Bldg. at the Ottawa Research and Development Centre in Ottawa, Ontario. Work will be done in a plant molecular biology lab working in the field of soybean genomics and proteomics research. The lab is a communal environment, where work will be carried out both alone and in teams and space may be shared between research groups.

Soybean Cyst Nematode, SCN, (Heterodera glycines) is a plant parasitic nematode and an overwhelming pest of soybean on a global scale. In order to identify more SCN resistance genes, we propose to use a bioinformatics tool (Protein-protein Interaction Prediction Engine (PIPE)), to investigate host-pathogen interactions between soybean and SCN. In this way, the investigation of global PPI of SCN will give us a better understanding regarding functional biology of this nematode; and more importantly, we will have the opportunity to investigate host-pathogen interactions between soybean and SCN in a comprehensive manner (through bioinformatics analysis as well as molecular biology related techniques). This will lead us to the identification of novel target genes either in soybean or SCN which will provide a better understanding of the virulence process of SCN and will provide novel candidates for new SCN resistance genes.

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)

The Student must be currently enrolled or will be enrolled in a Master’s program at Carleton University within the Department of biology by the date of appointment.

Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field (e.g. Molecular Biology, Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, Life Science or Computational Biology) from a recognized post-secondary institution with a minimum average overall for admission to a Master’s program in Biology.

Degree equivalency

Experience in planning and executing research projects in a laboratory environment.
Experience in molecular biology rerated practices in DNA and RNA extraction from plant materials.
Experience in bioinformatics and gene ontology analysis.
Experience in soybean genomics database.

*In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through the studies, work experience, or volunteer activities.

Knowledge of theory and principles of DNA, and DNA sequencing.
Knowledge of theory and principles of Bioinformatics (proteomics) data analysis.
Knowledge of theory and principles of plant genomics and proteomics.
Knowledge of theory and principles of genetics.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English essential

Information on language requirements

Creativity and innovation
Problem Solving
Teamwork
Interactive Communication

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

With appropriate safety precautions in place:
• Ability and willingness to work in laboratory environment for extended periods of time and under normal safety precautions.
• Ability and willingness to work with chemicals and other hazardous materials.
• Known allergies must be controlled through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication and must not impinge upon duties to be performed.

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.