Research Assistant - Masters 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).

Duties

Duties may include some or all of the following:

• Insect rearing and colony maintenance of parasitoids and stinkbug host species
• Small arena, no-choice tests with Trissolcus japonicus
• Large arena choice tests with Trissolcus japonicus

Perform office duties and attend mandatory training modules

Work environment

The London Research and Development Centre (London, Ontario) is one of a network of 19 national agricultural research centres operated by Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada. 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 in the Integrated Pest Management division. Our research team focuses on invasive insect ecology, biological control, and pest management. Some of the key insect species being investigated include: the brown marmorated stink bug, cabbage seedpod weevil, pepper weevil, the apple leaf curling midge, and a variety of parasitoids associated with these pests.

The RAP position involves laboratory research to be conducted on the host range of Trissolcus japonicus, a biological control agent for the brown marmorated stink bug. The position will include maintenance of insect colonies, and experiments designed to test different strains of Trissolcus japonicus in terms of parasitism of the target host and several native non-target host species collected in Ontario.

The candidate must be comfortable working with insects, and handling live insects, and have experience working in a Plant Pest Containment 1A facility (PPC-1A). Further, the candidate must be enrolled in a MSc program at the University of Guelph and have knowledge and experience working with the brown marmorated stink bug and the samurai wasp.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 250 words (maximum) "Please provide a short paragraph (up to 250 words) describing your research experience with the brown marmorated stink bug and the samurai wasp."

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)

EDUCATION*
Currently enrolled in the second year of Master of Science program at University of Guelph, School of Environmental Sciences, with specialization in: biological control and entomology

*In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through the studies, work experience, or volunteer activities

EXPERIENCE
Experience working with brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) and the Samurai wasp (Trissolcus japonicus);
Experience working in a Plant Pest Containment 1A (PPC-1A) laboratory.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of entomology and pest management.
Knowledge of insect pests and biological control.

COMPETENCIES
Interactive communication
Planning and organizing
Initiative
Teamwork

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

ORGANIZATIONAL NEEDS
Selection may be limited to members of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women.

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.

Must have a valid, full G Ontario Driver’s License (or equivalent from another Province) and a good driving record.
Ability and willingness to work outdoors in inclement weather if necessary.
Ability and willingness to travel throughout Ontario for field work.
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours to achieve research goals.

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 https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/opportunities/government.html.

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.