MSc Student (Crop Entomology) - Research Affiliate Program

Update: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to October 9, 2019 - 23:59, Pacific Time.

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 objective of the MSc project will be to (1) to delineate the geographic range of alfalfa weevil populations resistant to insecticides through field collections and laboratory bioassays; (2) determine the genetic basis of resistance through molecular studies, and (3) determine levels of parasitism and the species of parasitoids through field collections and multiplex PCR methods. The successful candidate will gain experience designing and conducting entomology experiments, using statistical analyses, implementing field sampling protocols for insects, using molecular tools, and writing scientific publications.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the graduate program at the University of Alberta, duties of the successful candidate will include: conducting literature reviews; working with the project supervisors to design and execute research pertinent to project objectives; collect, analyze, and report data; present results orally at conferences and technology transfer events, write a thesis and publish research (with supervisor guidance) in peer-reviewed journals; act in an ethical and responsible manner.

Research for this project will be conducted in field and laboratory conditions. The successful candidate will be expected to travel (as needed) across southern Alberta to collect data in or adjacent to agricultural production systems (i.e. farm land) and between Lethbridge and Edmonton.

Work environment

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) helps farmers and industry feed our country. We work to increase Canada’s exports, while providing leadership in the growth and development of a competitive, innovative and sustainable Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector.

The Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, located in one of the most agriculturally diverse regions of the Prairies, conducts research on prairie crops to support the agri-food industry in Western Canada. It is located east of Lethbridge.

The Centre emphasizes collaboration between several private and public research organizations and develops integrated crop management strategies for sustainable cropping systems on the Canadian Prairies through combining research in genetics and germplasm development, plant pathology, entomology, plant physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology.

The Centre conducts research in seven sector strategies:
• Agro-ecosystem Resilience
• Cereals
• Dairy, Pork, Poultry and Other Livestock
• Forages and Beef
• Horticulture
• Oilseeds
• Pulses

We are presently looking for a vibrant and dynamic student to work in crop entomology.

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)

Currently enrolled or willing to enroll in a Master’s program with specialization in Crop Protection at the University of Alberta.

Degree equivalency

Experience* growing plants or rearing insects.
Experience* collecting and recording data in a field or laboratory setting for experiments involving insects or plants.
Experience* identifying insects.

*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 life history and impact of insect pests on field crops (e.g. alfalfa weevil, lygus bugs, others).
Knowledge of the integrated pest management concept.
Knowledge of basic molecular biology techniques.
Knowledge in basic parametric statistics.

Teamwork
Initiative
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

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.

Possession of a valid Class 5 driver’s license or equivalent.
Ability and willingness to complete strenuous field work sampling insects in field crops under adverse conditions.

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.