Research Assistant in Entomology - 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

• Perform a scouting in experimental plots to assess the density of pests and natural enemies;
• Conduct greenhouse and laboratory experiments to determine the impact of the soil microbiome on trophic interactions;
• Analyze the results and produce a report.

Work environment

The Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Research and Development Centre helps the Canadian horticultural sector to remain competitive and sustainable by developing original knowledge, tools and know-how, primarily in the fields of horticultural crop protection with an approach biovigilance and precision horticulture. The center is very supportive of the departmental priority to "Develop new knowledge, foster innovation and increase the adoption and commercialization of agri-food and agro-industrial products, practices or processes."

The centre has three research sub-stations at L'Acadie, Sainte-Clotilde and at Frelighsburg (Quebec). These sites comprise a total of 245 hectares, characterized by clay and muck soils.

This job offer is the result of a research project aiming to evaluate the impact of soil microbiome on above-ground trophic interactions. Recent studies have shown that soil-borne microorganisms can affect foliar herbivorous insects through a cascade of molecular and chemical changes in the plant. Pest-induced plant defense responses can positively or negatively influence herbivore populations and the guild of natural enemies associated with this species. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of soil microbiome modifications on direct and indirect interactions of foliar pest populations and its natural enemies under a lettuce system.

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 master's program at a post-secondary educational institution with a specialization in:

Master in Biology or Agronomy

Degree equivalency

Experience* performing laboratory or field experiments.
Experience* in collection and analysis of samples.

*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

Knowledge in monitoring and identification of insects.

Initiative
In-depth reflection
Judgment
Teamwork
Demonstrate integrity and respect

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

Valid driver's license.

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 the email referenced below under “Contact Information”.

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.