Science Master’s Student, Molecular Plant Pathology - 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

Conducting field, laboratory and greenhouse experiments to study biological control of the Sclerotinia sclerotiorum fungus in lettuce by phytobeneficial bacteria belonging to Pseudomonas spp.

This project aims in particular to study:
i) the biological control mechanisms;
ii) the genes, transcripts and enzymes involved;
iii) the effect of the soil microbiota on this biological control; and
iv) the effect of production practices on the survival of S. sclerotiorum reproductive structures.

The Master’s student will participate in:
• The design and maintenance of experimental trials related to the research topic;
• Maintaining records of field and laboratory activities related to the research topic;
• Complying with the requirements established by the educational institution for Master’s students;
• Performing statistical analyses of the data and presenting and discussing the results;
• Writing and defending a thesis.

Work environment

The Saint Jean-sur-Richelieu Research and Development Centre (Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu RDC), located in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, opened its doors in 1912. The Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu RDC helps the Canadian horticultural sector to stay competitive and sustainable by developing new knowledge and technologies in the field of horticultural crop protection, while taking a biovigilance and precision agriculture approach. It is part of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) national network of 20 research and development centres. The RDC is associated with three satellite stations:
• L’Acadie Experimental Farm, St-Jean-sur-Richelieu
• Sainte-Clotilde Experimental Farm, Sainte-Clotilde de Châteauguay
• Frelighsburg Experimental Site, Frelighsburg

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 at Université de Sherbrooke with specialization in biology.

Degree equivalency

Experience* in molecular biology (nucleic acid extraction, electrophoresis, quantitative polymerase chain reaction [qPCR], rep-PCR, cloning, sequencing).
Experience* in bioinformatics (sequence alignment, BLASTn, PCR primer/probe design).
Experience* in conducting experimental trials with bacteria.
Experience* in conducting field experiments.

*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)

Various language requirements
French essential, Bilingual Imperative BBB/BBB

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of the phytopathology of horticultural plants.
Knowledge of biological control and the main mechanisms involved.
Knowledge of experimental design and statistics

Interpersonal skills
Creativity and innovation
Planning and organization
Initiative
Teamwork

Ability to communicate well orally and in writing.
Ability to plan, design and conduct experiments.
Ability to accurately collect, record and analyze data and summarize results.
Ability to contribute to the development and preparation of manuscripts.
Ability to manage multiple project tasks or activities.
Ability to work independently.

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 driver’s license;
Ability and willingness to working in a laboratory with hazardous materials as well as in the field;
Ability and willingness to travel for field work;
Ability and willingness to perform repetitive tasks;
Ability and willingness to work sometimes in rain, heat or dust;
Ability and willingness to control allergies through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication without impinging on the duties of the position.

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.