Graduate Student (Master of Science /PhD) - 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

The successful candidate will have opportunities to conduct field and laboratory research trials to determine the sex pheromone composition of click beetle pest species native to Canada, as well as explore the application of these in the field for pest monitoring and management. Potential research areas include: (i) determining the structures and optimal blends of pheromones for different species, (ii) developing efficient pheromone-based monitoring programs for multiple pest species, (iii) determining how novel click beetle pheromones can be used for mass trapping, mating disruption, and/or lure-and-kill approaches, (iv) determining the inter- and intra-specific variability in click beetle pheromone structure. In addition to academic competency, the successful candidate will be familiar with field and vegetable crop production, and will have opportunities to interact with growers, industry partners, other graduate students and research technicians.

The day-to-day work will take place at three locations: Simon Fraser University during periods of coursework and some of the laboratory work; and Agassiz, BC, and Lethbridge, AB, for field research.

Work environment

The Agassiz Research and Development Centre was established by the Government of Canada under The Experimental Farm Station Act in 1886. The Centre consists of two independent research sites: Agassiz and Summerland. It is also associated with a satellite location—the Clearbrook sub-station, located 50 kilometres away in Abbotsford, British Columbia.
The scientific research of the Agassiz Research and Development Centre addresses national agricultural priorities in the areas of horticultural and field crop production and protection. These priorities include helping to adapt and remain competitive in domestic and global markets. The research mainly focuses on peri-urban agriculture, which seeks to improve understanding of the flows, interactions and impacts of agriculture systems within densely populated regions.
Day-to-day work will take place at a Government of Canada research facility and Simon Fraser University – each a professional and relaxed setting. Laboratory work will require some prerequisite safety training. About 50 to 60% of the work will be in controlled environments and remaining portions includes field trials.

Intent of the process

Position 1 - The student must be willing to work from January 7, 2020 to March 31, 2023. It is expected that the student work approximately 20 hours per week.

Position 2 - The student must be willing to work from September 8, 2020 to March 31, 2023. It is expected that the student work approximately 20 hours per week.

Positions to be filled: 2

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 3 references.

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

Currently enrolled or will be enrolled in a Masters of Pest Management, MSc or PhD degree program at Simon Fraser University, in the field of entomology, chemical ecology, pest management, or closely-related field by date of appointment.

Degree equivalency

Experience with insect trapping and identification.
Experience in conducting laboratory and field trials.
Experience in an agricultural setting.

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

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

Undergraduate courses in entomology, chemical ecology, or closely-related fields.
*Preference may be given to the students who have taken pest management, statistics, and molecular biology courses.

Degree equivalency

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of entomology, insect behavior and identification, pest management.
Knowledge of chemical ecology and its applications for pest monitoring.
Knowledge of principles of cereal and field vegetable crop production.
Knowledge of experimental design and/or statistics.

Interpersonal skills
Creativity and innovation
Planning and organizing
Initiative
Teamwork

Ability to field visit, plan, design, and set up experiments.
Ability to collect, record, and analyze data accurately.
Ability to summarize results and contribute to and prepare manuscripts.
Ability to handle multiple tasks or project activities.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to communicate effectively orally.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Ability and willingness:
• To travel for field work in major agricultural areas in southern BC and southern AB.
• To work outdoors in various weather conditions for long periods of time.
• To work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.
Known allergies must be controlled through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication and must not impinge upon the duties 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.