Graduate Student - 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

The project is a multi-disciplinary study involving (1) Revised P fertilization recommendations to meet the crop P needs in BC; (2) Adaptation of a simple agri-environmental P saturation index for BC; and (3) New and innovative chemical (Solution 31P NMR, XANES and sequential fractionation) and metagenomic tools (Metagenomics and enzyme tools) to unravel linkages among P management, P forms and soil microbiome. The student will be based at Agassiz, but will be expected to travel to field sites throughout the Fraser and Hullcar Valleys for sample collection, monitoring of field experiments, and some sample analysis (research travel cost to be covered by the program). As this project involves collaborations with three other AAFC Centres (Lethbridge, Swift Current and Charlottetown), the student may also have the opportunity to travel to other parts of Canada. The successful candidate should have a good work ethic, a strong sense of responsibilities, ability to work in team environments, and an enthusiasm to work in both controlled environments and fields. Persons residing in Canada and Canadian citizens residing abroad and other students abroad are eligible. Preference will be given to a Canadian citizen and a permanent resident of Canada. The day-to-day work will take place at two locations: University of British Columbia during periods of coursework and some of the laboratory work; and Agassiz, BC for field, greenhouse, and laboratory 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 University of British Columbia – each a professional and relaxed setting.

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 PhD program at University of British Columbia in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems with specialization in Soil Science.

Degree equivalency

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

Experience with soil science, soil fertility, nutrient management and agronomy.
Experience in conducting laboratory, greenhouse, or field trials.
Experience in an agricultural setting or biological research.
Experience in handling multiple tasks or project activities.
Experience in writing manuscripts and/or research reports.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of analytical techniques (Colorimetry, Combustion or ignition, Spectrophotometry, acid-base titration, soil microbial analysis).
Knowledge of phosphorus cycling and dynamics in field crops.
Knowledge of principles of agriculture.
Knowledge of experimental design.
Knowledge in statistics.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing and oral.
Interpersonal skills.
Creativity and innovation.
Planning and organizing.
Initiative.

Ability to plan, design, and set up experiments.
Ability to collect, record, and analyze data accurately.
Ability to summarize results.

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 for field work in dairy cows and silage corn growing areas in BC;
to work outdoors in various weather conditions for long periods of time;
to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends;
to work in laboratory, greenhouse, and/or field environments for extended periods at a time;
to work flexible hours (e.g. early morning);
to lift and carry a 20kg load for 50 meters; and
to create a balance between working in Agassiz (AAFC, for project work) and Vancouver (UBC, for coursework, academic advising, and committee meetings).

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.