Graduate Research Assistant - 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

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

Under the supervision of a research scientist, the candidate will conduct research in advanced poultry nutrition for the development of cost-effective production method in order to decrease antibiotic use (AMU) and the spread of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria. The area of basic microbiology and molecular biology will include bacterial isolation for gene screening, plasmid profiling, and extraction of DNA for sequence analysis; RT-PCR and other work as requested to reach the following objectives:
1. Evaluate various nutritional program on the ecology of antimicrobial resistant bacteria.
2. Evaluate impact of feeding programs on broiler immunology, gut microbiota and microbiome.
3. Investigate poultry immune response to Salmonella antigens.

Work environment

The lab is located at The Guelph Research and Development Centre – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Guelph, On). The incumbent will apply molecular microbiology technics and bioinformatics tools while working with a food safety research team. The project aims to conduct a prospective studies assessing various feeding programs to identify microbiomes that support chicken health and immunity while reducing Salmonella prevalence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antibiotic use (AMU) in poultry.

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)

Bachelor of Science and Master's degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with a specialization in Animal science or Animal Nutrition, toxicology or relevant field.

Currently enrolled or willing to enroll in a PhD program from a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution with a specialization in poultry Science (Nutrition) or Pathobiology and immunology.

Degree equivalency

Experience* in general animal care.
Experience* in antibiotic use in livestock.
Experience* in livestock and animal husbandry.
Experience* in cell cultures.

*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 in Animal Nutrition (toxicology).
Knowledge in Animal immunology.
Knowledge in Animal genetics.
Knowledge in Animal production.

Interactive Communication
Initiative
Teamwork
Problem Solving

Ability to perform chicken trials.

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.

Ability and willingness to travel.
Ability and willingness to work in laboratory, greenhouse, and/or field environments for extended periods at a time.
Ability and willingness to work with plants in the laboratory, field, greenhouse or growth chamber.
Ability and willingness to work with chemicals.
Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication without impinging on the duties to be performed.
Ability and willingness to work with hazardous chemicals and pesticides using appropriate safety equipment after receiving suitable training.
Ability and willingness to work in field plots with rough, uneven terrain, where agricultural amendments and pesticides (in accordance with safety standards and label specifications) are used.
Possession of a valid driver’s license or personal mobility to the extent normally associated with the possession of a valid driver’s license.

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.