Research Assistant - Animal Genomics/Epigenomics - 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

Collect milk, blood and mammary gland tissue samples from animals / Process samples / Isolate nucleic acids / Prepare libraries for next generation sequencing / Perform laboratory analyses / Perform bioinformatics processing of whole genome bisulfite sequence (WGBS) data and RNA-Seq data / Perform statistical analysis of data / Develop a targeted bisulfite sequencing technique for dairy cows / Draft manuscripts for publication.

Work environment

The student will work on a study with aim to profile DNA methylation marks involved in bovine mastitis (S. aureus) and milk production, and to develop cost effect tools for detecting DNA methylation marks in a large number of samples and determining their association with disease/production traits. The main work location is the Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre (AAFC) in Sherbrooke, Quebec.

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)

MSc degree in animal genetics/epigenetics, biochemistry, genetics, biology, molecular biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics or a related field.

Currently enrolled/or willing to enroll in a PhD program at Laval University with specialization in Animal Genomics/Epigenomics.

Degree equivalency

Experience working on comparative analysis of genomes.
Experience in the use of genome browsers, and experience in the analysis of next-generation sequencing data related to DNA methylation or RNA sequencing data.
Experience working with DNA and RNA manipulation and purification.
Experience with drafting manuscripts on DNA Methylation, microRNAs or RNA-Seq.

* 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 or French

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of molecular biology techniques and cell culture.
Knowledge of epigenomics techniques.
Knowledge of R programing language.
Knowledge of unix tools.
Knowledge of bioinformatics tools.

Possess excellent interactive communication and organizational skills.

Ability to use bioinformatics tools.
Ability to work independently and within a dynamic collaborative and multidisciplinary environment.
Ability to meet deadlines and milestones.
Ability to work in contact with farm animals.

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

Ability and willingness to work with animals, to work in dairy cow barns, to work overtime and to work out of station.

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

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.