Master Student (Research Assistant) in Barley Genomics - Research Affiliate Program

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Assessment accommodation

AMENDMENT to CLOSING DATE

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

We are looking for a friendly, organized team player with interest in research, who is highly self-motivated, is able to work independently, has excellent written and oral communication skills and has demonstrated excellence at the academic level and in research. Strong problem-solving skills are highly desired. The candidate will be responsible for providing both analytical and technical support for the Identification of FHB resistance QTL and candidate gene identification. For this reason a graduate student with previous research experience in plant genomics and bioinformatics will be required. The student will be expected to have prior experience routine molecular biology techniques such as, DNA/ RNA extraction, PCR, electrophoresis. Other tasks may include preparation and handling of microbial cultures involving proper aseptic technique; solvent extraction; and proper chemical waste management and routine laboratory maintenance.

Work environment

The site of work is situated on the third floor of the Neatby Bldg. at the Ottawa Research and Development Centre in Ottawa, Ontario. Work will be done in a cereal molecular biology lab working in the field of barley genomics research. The lab is a communal environment, where work will be carried out both alone and in teams and space may be shared between research groups. Fusarium head blight (FHB) caused by Fusarium graminearum, is the most devastating diseases in most of the barley growing areas. Once infected, the fungi can produce multiple mycotoxins, which in turn are harmful to human and animal health. We are aiming to identify FHB resistance QTL which will provide novel candidates for FHB resistance genes.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 300 words (maximum) "A maximum of 300 words discussing their research expertise and knowledge of molecular biology related practices as per the work environment and duties."

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)

The Student must be currently enrolled or will be enrolled in a Master’s program in a recognized postsecondary establishment in Canada within one of the following departments: Plant Agriculture, Plant Science or Genomics/Biological science, prior to the date of appointment.

Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field (e.g. Molecular Biology, Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, Life Science or Computational Biology) from a recognized post-secondary institution with a minimum average overall for admission to a Master’s program in Biology.

Degree equivalency

Experience planning and executing research projects in a field and laboratory environment.
Experience in molecular biology rerated practices in DNA and RNA extraction from plant materials.
Research experience in bioinformatics.

*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 theory and principles of DNA, and DNA sequencing.
• Knowledge of theory and principles of bioinformatics data analysis.
• Knowledge of theory and principles of plant genomics.
• Knowledge of theory and principles of genetics.

• Creativity and innovation
• Problem Solving
• Teamwork
• Planning and organization
• Interactive communication
• Initiative
• Critical thinking

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.

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.