Master’s student - 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).

Project information:
Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the most economically important diseases of wheat and barley in Eastern Canada. FHB can be caused by a number of different Fusarium spp., with Fusarium graminearum as the primary concern in Atlantic Canada. As FHB is a worldwide issue for grain producers, a number of disease forecast models have been developed to assess the risk of disease and DON contamination. This project aims to identify a cereal FHB disease forecast model for Maritime producers to be integrated into producer best management practices.

Duties

• The incumbent will assess conduct disease surveys of cereal crops for FHB in the Maritime provinces.
• The incumbent will conduct laboratory studies to characterize isolated Fusarium spp. by cell culture, microscopy, molecular and chemical techniques.
• Contributes to the design, maintenance and execution of experimental trials associated with the research topic.
• Maintains detailed records of field, greenhouse and laboratory activities related to the research topic.
• Perform statistical analyses and interpretation of data.
• Present and discuss results.

Work environment

The Charlottetown Research and Development Centre was established in 1909 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

The Centre has an office-laboratory complex in Charlottetown and a research farm in Harrington, PEI, where it conducts research trials on a variety of crops and cropping systems.

The overall research direction for Charlottetown Research and Development Centre is to take production beyond traditional commodity-based markets and to open new areas to producers in the Region while maintaining environmental sustainability. The Centre leads research in:
• Integrated crop production systems and agricultural diversification
• Bio-based products and processes from bioresources in existing and emerging crops
• Environmental sustainability and improved performance of the agricultural production system

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)

Candidates should possess or be currently enrolled in a BSc degree in Biology or a related field with an expected completion date before Aug 31. 2020.

The candidate must be willing and eligible to enroll in Master’s program at either Dalhousie University, Agriculture Campus or University of Prince Edward Island with specialization in plant science, plant biology, environmental science or related discipline.

Degree equivalency

Experience* in conducting literature review and summarizing information into reports and/or presentations
Experience* in lab, greenhouse or field work

*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 plant biology and/or plant pathology
Knowledge of statistics and/or experimental design

Teamwork
Attention to details
Initiative
Communication skills (written and oral)

Ability to keep and maintain accurate, precise, detailed and organized notes and records
Ability to perform specialized and technical tasks
Ability to perform statistical analysis

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.

Valid driver’s license
Ability and willingness to work with potentially hazardous chemicals in the field, lab and greenhouse
Ability and willingness to travel for field work
Ability and willingness to perform repetitive tasks
Ability and willingness to work in conditions some may find uncomfortable (dusty and dirty fields, in the rain and while wearing a waterproof and chemical resistant coveralls)

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.