Forage Biotechnology Research Affiliate - 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

- Molecular biology (e.g. DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, cloning, vector construction (RNAi and CRISPR/Cas), qRT-PCR, T7E1 assays).
- Plant tissue culture (Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of alfalfa).
- Rearing of alfalfa plants in greenhouse.
- Phenotypic assessments (e.g., height, biomass, root architecture).
- Sample collection.
- Quality assessments (e.g., protein content, lignin content, fiber content).
- Assisting with carbohydrate-related assessments.

Work environment

The candidate is required to be eligible or be enrolled as a MSc student in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science at the University of Alberta under the supervision of Dr. Guanqun Chen. The candidate will either carry out coursework remotely (from Lethbridge, AB) or spend one semester at the University of Alberta (depending on the university’s recommendations relating to Covid-19), and will conduct lab and greenhouse work at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre under the joint supervision of Dr. Chen and Dr. Stacy Singer (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada).

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 500 words (maximum) "Short essay describing CRISPR/Cas in the context of crop improvement."

Contact information for 3 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 in a Master’s program at the University of Alberta with specialization in plant molecular biology, or will be enrolled by the date of appointment.

Degree equivalency

Experience with plants.
Experience with molecular techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR and cloning.

* 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 of experimental design.
Knowledge of molecular genetics.
Knowledge of plant biology.

Adaptability
Initiative
Teamwork

Ability to perform lab work with minimal supervision.
Ability to write and communicate results effectively to diverse audiences.

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.

Ability and willingness to travel to conferences and training courses.
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours.
Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication and this must not impinge upon the duties to be performed.
Ability and willingness to work in laboratory and greenhouse environments.
Ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials.
Ability and willingness to work with chemicals and pesticides.
Ability and willingness to spend one semester at the University of Alberta if necessary.

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.