MSc or PhD graduate student in Microbiology or Immunology - 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

To be considered for this Research Affiliate Program (RAP) work opportunity, you must meet the following criteria:

1 - Be recognized as having full-time student status by the post-secondary academic institution at which you are currently enrolled; and
2 - Be the minimum age to work in the province or territory where the job is located.
3 - Be enrolled in an academic program that requires research as part of their curriculum.

For more information on the Research Affiliate Program (RAP), please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/recruitment/students/research-affiliate-program.html

***VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: It is the responsibility of the candidate to clearly outline that they meet each of the screening criteria (i.e. Education and Experience Qualifications) by RESPONDING TO THE SCREENING QUESTIONS IN THE ONLINE APPLICATION. Please note that it is not sufficient to only state that the requirement is met or to provide a listing of current responsibilities, rather the candidate must provide concrete examples that illustrate how they meet the requirement. Lack of EXAMPLES and DETAILS may result in your application being rejected as the Assessment Board will have insufficient information to determine whether or not you meet the qualifications.***

Duties

The research assistant will conduct laboratory research under the supervision of a research scientist. The research will be aligned with the mandate and the priorities of BGTD, and will contribute to the candidate’s completion of a Master’s or a PhD degree at a recognized post-secondary institution.

Work environment

The mandate of Biologics and Genetic Therapies Directorate (BGTD) of Health Products and Food Branch (HPFB) is “to maximize the safety and efficiency of biologics and biotechnology products in the Canadian marketplace and health system”. The objective of the Vaccine Research Laboratory is to conduct research to improve our understanding of vaccine-induced responses, develop relevant expertise to assist in the evaluation of viral vaccines and develop in-house capacity to analyze potential vaccines. The team is comprised of Federal researchers who, in collaboration with experienced regulatory scientists at Health Canada, are uniquely positioned to carry out the research because of their scientific expertise and significant involvement in collaborative international regulatory activities.

Intent of the process

The student must be willing to start the work term in September 2019. It is expected the student will work 20 hours per week. The maximal duration of this work term is for 60 months and will end August 30, 2024.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 9,999 words (maximum) "Please elaborate on why you feel you are the ideal candidate for this opportunity."

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)

EDUCATION:
Graduation with a Bachelor degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with acceptable specialization in biological sciences and must be currently enrolled or willing to enroll in a Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology Department graduate studies program.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE:
E1 - Experience using aseptic/sterile techniques
E2 - Experience working with cells or stem cell cultures
E3 - Experiences using techniques such as flow cytometry, qPCR, gene cloning, protein isolation and purification and animal models.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE:
K1 - Knowledge of cell biology and immunology such as cells, stem cells, immune cells and vaccines.

ABILITIES:
A1 - Ability to prioritize the workload and meet deadlines
A2 - Ability to implement new laboratory techniques and assay methods
A3 - Ability to communicate effectively orally
A4 - Ability to communicate effectively in writing (PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR RESPONSES TO THE PRE-SCREENING QUESTIONS AND YOUR RESUME MAY BE USED TO EVALUATE THIS ABILITY)
A5 - Ability to critically analyze scientific data and make recommendations

PERSONAL SUITABILITIES:
PS1 - Effective interpersonal relations
PS2 - Initiative
PS3 - Judgement
PS4 - Respect of diversity

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

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

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.

An interview may be administered.

Reference checks may be sought.

For this selection process, we may find that email is the most efficient way to communicate with you. Candidates who apply to selection processes should include an email address that accepts email from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email). It is the candidates' responsibility to inform us of a change of contact information during the course of this selection process and to regularly verify your incoming e-mails.

Preference

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.