Research assistant in nutritive value of alfalfa (Master's degree) - 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

As part of a specific research project carried out at the Center, the incumbent will provide general and technical support, which includes some or all of the following tasks:
• Contribute to the development of analytical methods and evaluation techniques;
• Contribute to the development of new methods and techniques;
• Contribute to the collection and analysis of data;
• Provide laboratory or general support for this research project.
• Carry out research activities in the laboratory or in the field.

The student will have to write a master thesis of about 60 pages with the objective of: Identify crop management practices that result in forages that are better balanced between rapidly fermentable carbohydrates and slowly degradable proteins (fractions B2-B3) in the rumen.. This thesis should contain a literature review, a chapter written in the form of a scientific manuscript, and a chapter of general conclusions.

Work environment

The Quebec Research and Development Centre have two research focuses: soil-water-air resources and field crops such as forage crops. Specifically, the Research Centre's employees are active in the breeding and management of field crops such as forage crops for Eastern Canada. They also conduct research in areas such as the management and conservation of the soil-water-air resources. Furthermore, they develop methods of forage and cereal crops production that are consistent with a sustainable agriculture.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in agronomy from a recognized post-secondary institution.

Students must be currently enrolled/or willing to enroll in a Master’s program at the McGill University with specialization in Plant science. They must clearly indicate their level of education in their application. The proof of education must be presented before the appointment.

Degree equivalency

- Experience conducting laboratory or field experiments.
- Experience collecting samples and performing analysis.

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 or French

Information on language requirements

Knowledge in agronomy

- Competencies in project management.
- Interactive communication.
- Planning and organizing.
- Teamwork.

Ability to work in a laboratory and to write a dissertation.
Ability to follow directions.

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
The student must be able and willing to work for long periods in a laboratory where the usual safety precautions are in place and where they may be in contact with hazardous materials.

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.