Ph. D. student - Research Assistant - 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:

•Collecting soybean tissue samples for genomic DNA extraction for genotyping.
•Projects for studying plant nitrogen use efficiency: growth and treatment of plants with different nitrogen concentrations; genome wide profiling of epigenetic changes; mutant screens; bioinformatics analysis.
•Conduct literature reviews.
•Develop written reports and presentation materials on key initiatives.
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 Genomics and Biotechnology division. Our research team focuses on plant genetics and genomics for crop trait improvement, such as plant nitrogen use efficiency and seed proteins.

The RAP PhD student research assistant is expected to work on plant molecular genetics and epigenetics for understanding plant nitrogen use efficiency. Cutting edge molecular biology and genomics technologies will be used to uncover the molecular players and pathways involved in the use of nitrogen by plants including soybean and model plants. The student will have the opportunity to develop skills in cutting edge plant genomics and epigenetics.

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 plant molecular biology and genetics."

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 PhD program at Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, with specialization in: plant molecular biology, or plant molecular genetics.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE
- Experience working with plants, both the model plant Arabidopsis and soybean, in the laboratory.
- Experience working in a plant molecular biology and genetics lab for multiple years.
- Experience performing bioinformatics analysis of next generation sequencing data such as RNA-seq and ChIP-seq data.

*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
- Knowledge of plant molecular biology and genetics.
- Knowledge of model plant Arabidopsis including growing the plants in a lab, genetic crossing and collecting tissues for molecular analysis.
- Knowledge of bioinformatics tools for analysis of next generation sequencing data such as RNA-seq and ChIP-seq.

COMPETENCIES
- Interactive communication
- Planning and organizing
- Initiative
- Teamwork

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.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

- 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 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.