Master of Science Student - Drosophila ecology and biocontrol - 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

- Assist in field and lab trials investigating the biology and ecology of invasive agricultural pests
- Field-based collection and lab-based identification of insect and plant specimens
- Assessment of insect biology, life history and behavioural traits
- Assist with establishment and maintenance of healthy insect colonies under quarantine conditions
- Assist with DNA extraction, amplification and sequencing
- Data entry and statistical analysis
- Report writing

Work environment

The Summerland Research and Development Centre (SuRDC) is part of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) national network of 19 research centres. AAFC provides information, research and technology, and policies and programs to achieve security of the food system, health of the environment and innovation for growth. This is a collaborative project between AAFC and the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO). Time will be divided between coursework, writing, and participation in educational activities at UBCO and research that will be conducted largely at SuRDC. Research at SuRDC will be conducted in the laboratory, PPC-1A and at quarantine at field sites through the south and north Okanagan. The selected student will need to be able and willing to work at UCBO and at AAFC SuRDC. The student must be willing to commute on a regular basis between the UBCO campus and the Summerland Research and Development Centre.

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)

Currently enrolled or willing to enroll in a Master’s program at the Okanagan campus of the University of British Columbia in Kelowna, BC, with specialization in Entomology

Degree equivalency

Experience conducting field work to survey animal (vertebrate and invertebrate) populations
Experience conducting basic molecular biology techniques (i.e. DNA barcoding)
Experience in insect identification

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of insect collection techniques
Knowledge of data collection methods to assess animal populations
Knowledge of invasive insects of British Columbia
Knowledge of biological control

Teamwork
Adaptability
Initiative

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.

Possession of a valid driver’s license.
Completion of the AAFC Defensive Driving course within one month of employment.
Ability and willingness to work in the laboratory for extended periods.
Ability and willingness to work overtime when necessary.
Ability and willingness to travel to field sites in the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys to conduct research.
Ability and willingness to work with invertebrates (insects) in the laboratory and quarantine facilities
Ability and willingness to conduct work in greenhouse and field settings in variable weather condition and terrains.
Ability and willingness to work outdoors in commercial vineyards during hot summer weather and cool and possibly inclement fall weather.

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.