Master of Science student at the University of Western Ontario - Research Affiliate Program

Update: Amendment to closing date.

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

• Carry out fundamental bacteriological techniques (e.g. culturing strains, media preparation, transformations)
• Cloning, nucleic acid extraction from various matrices, PCR, qRT-PCR, Western immunoblots, enzyme kinetics, analysis of DNA sequencing data, knowledge of various antimicrobial susceptibility testing assays
• Independently troubleshoot and modify experimental protocols, read scientific literature to solve problems
• Must document, interpret, and report experimental data

Work environment

The London Research and Development Centre (London RDC) located in London, Ontario was established in 1951. It is one of the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC) network of 20 research and development centres. The research site conducts research in the areas of air, water and soil, development of sustainable and profitable crop production systems for field crops and integrated pest management in the heart of one of the most intensive, diverse and productive agri-food regions in Canada.

The position described here is focused on antimicrobial resistance development and dissemination in agriculture. Modern medicine, veterinary, and agricultural practices are extensively dependent on the availability of antibiotics to prevent and treat bacterial infections in humans, animals, and plants. However, the overuse and misuse of these drugs for the last 70 years has led to the evolution and spread of disease-causing antibiotic resistant bacteria that threaten both human and animal health. Unfortunately, reducing antibiotic use in agriculture will likely not be sufficient for reducing the development and spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria. This is because antibiotic resistant bacteria can also be selected for and maintained by agents other than antibiotics. The use of metals, pesticides, and detergents, all of which are used extensively in agriculture, can and do select for drug resistant pathogens. This phenomenon is referred to as co-selection. The current project seeks to identify agriculture practices that promote the evolution, accumulation, and dissemination of antibiotic resistant bacteria. In doing so, we can then inform better management practices to reduce the accumulation and transmission of antibiotic resistant bacteria in agriculture so that our current arsenal of antibiotics used to treat humans and animal bacterial infections remain effective. Using a combination of microbiology, molecular biology, and biochemical techniques, the current project seeks to elucidate the role of a herbicidal compounds in co-selecting for drug resistant bacteria. Knowledge gained from this study will be foundational in informing Canadian and global policy on the use of herbicides in agriculture.

Students will have the opportunity to develop skills related to bacteriological (e.g. culturing strains, media preparation, transformations) and biochemical techniques including in vitro evolution experiments, cloning, nucleic acid extraction from various matrices, PCR, qRT-PCR, analysis of DNA/whole-genome sequencing data, knowledge of various antimicrobial susceptibility testing assays. The successful candidate should be able to independently troubleshoot and modify experimental protocols, read scientific literature to solve problems and must document, interpret, and report experimental data.

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)

Applicants must hold or be in the process of completing a bachelor’s degree in a recognized post-secondary institution. Student must be willing to enroll in a Master of Science (MSc) program at the University of Western Ontario, Microbiology and Immunology Department with specialization in: microbiology, bacteriology, molecular biology, and biochemistry.

Degree equivalency

Experience* working in a wet-laboratory setting in fields that include, but are not limited to, bacteriology, biochemistry, and molecular biology are an asset.
Experience* with Microsoft suite, Seqbuilder (or similar programs), and SigmaPlot (or similar data analysis programs)

*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 in bacteriology, molecular biology, and/or biochemistry.
Knowledge of antimicrobial resistance an asset.

Problem Solving
Planning and organizing
Analytical/Creative Thinking
Initiative
Teamwork
Responsible
Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Ability to multitask.
Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others.

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 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.