Master of Pest Management (MPM) student, Entomopathology - Research Affiliate Program

Update: UPDATE: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to February 18, 2020 - 23:59, Pacific Time.

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

Inoculation of plants with entomopathogens, quantifying their degree of colonization and metabolic changes within the plants; determine the effects of entomopathogens, plant tissue samples, and secondary metabolites on insect behaviour; assess persistence of entomopathogens in soil; assess the host range of selected entomopathogens. All aforementioned duties to be conducted using appropriate scientific and statistical methodology.

Work environment

Day-to-day work will take place in a laboratory at a Government of Canada research facility and Simon Fraser University – each a professional and relaxed setting.

The majority of time will be spent at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) Agassiz Research and Development Centre in Agassiz, British Columbia where the Research Affiliate will conduct research – both directly for AAFC projects, and those projects contributing to the student’s MPM degree. Research for AAFC will involve the use of entomopathogens for insect control and often overlap MPM–related research, which will examine the effects of entomopathogens directly and endophytically on insect host behaviour, extending to quantifying the contributing role of plant and fungal secondary metabolites.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 250 words (maximum) "Describe the importance of entomopathogenic microorganisms for pest control in agriculture."

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Willing or qualified to enroll in the Master of Pest Management (MPM) degree program at Simon Fraser University and start in September 2020.

Degree equivalency

Experience working with insects, plants, or fungi.
Experience managing projects and making key decisions.

*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 entomology or entomopathology.
Knowledge of biochemistry.
Knowledge of experimental design and statistics.
Knowledge of MS Office and statistical software.

Interpersonal skills
Creativity and innovation
Strategic and analytical thinking
Planning and organizing
Initiative
Dependability
Self-motivation

Ability to operate scientific instruments, particularly qPCR.
Ability to make observations, collect and record data accurately and according to scientific standards, summarize and present results and contribute to the preparation of research papers.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
Ability to work independently and be granted higher levels of professional responsibility.

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.