Research Internship in Hog Intestinal Health - 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).

The candidate must be currently undertaking or have completed a CO-OP university study program and have completed internships in research laboratories.

Duties

- Assist in the preparation of material for the current animal phase and in the taking of samples;
- Perform transcriptomic analysis of samples collected to measure gene expression in the intestine and liver;
- Evaluate the animals’ immune response through vaccination and by evaluating certain blood inflammatory markers;
- Compile, analyze and present the many results obtained during meetings;
- Write a report describing the methodology used and the results obtained.

Work environment

The workplace is located at the Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre. It is Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) only research centre specializing in innovative research focused primarily on Canada’s dairy and hog industries. The Centre conducts research in the following three key areas:
- environmental sustainability;
- dairy and pork production systems;
- the health and welfare of dairy cows and hogs.

The research team in which the candidate will work is mainly composed of a research assistant and post-graduate students. More specifically, the work of Dr. Martin Lessard and Dr. Mylène Blais focuses on feeding strategies and farming conditions aimed at improving intestinal health and reducing the use of antibiotics.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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 Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. program at a post-secondary institution with a specialization in: Health Sciences, Molecular and Cellular Biology or Veterinary Sciences.

Degree equivalency

Experience* in conducting research projects and collecting samples;
Experience* working in a laboratory in molecular and cell biology or immunology;
Experience* in carrying out work to measure the level of gene expression involved in immune response;
Experience* in compiling and analyzing data.

*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)

French essential

Information on language requirements

Basic knowledge of the immune system;
Basic knowledge of the methodologies used in molecular and cell biology or immunology.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
Ability to organize and prioritize tasks;
Ability to communicate in writing and orally in clear language;
Autonomy and ability to take initiative.

Adaptability;
Problem solving;
Teamwork;
Critical thinking.

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

Ability and willingness to work flexible hours;
Ability and willingness to travel on occasion.

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 work in research laboratories;
- Ability and willingness to work with farm animals and in research slaughterhouses;
- Ability and willingness to work in an agricultural environment that can cause seasonal allergic reactions (hay fever).

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.