Master of Science student, Greenhouse Entomology and Biological Control - 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

The student must be willing to complete experiments in a timely fashion, including working on week-ends or evenings if the experiment so requires. As well, the student must be willing to do some commercial greenhouse trials involving travel to local greenhouse facilities.

Work environment

This position is for a graduate student in Entomology/Biology. The student will be enrolled in the graduate program of the department of Biology at a Canadian University and will conduct research at AAFC Harrow Research and Development Centre. Duties include performing experiments in the field of entomology and involves both laboratory and greenhouse research components, analyzing data and writing reports and manuscripts as well as a thesis describing the background literature, the methodology and the results obtained.

Course work (either distance or in person) will also be required at one of multiple possible Canadian Universities (eg. U of Guelph, U Montreal or U of Windsor)

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "Please write approximately a one-page summary of how an invasive arthropod pest species has historically disrupted greenhouse pest management and outline key research that has served to develop new biological control tools to suppress these pest populations."

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 or eligible to enroll in a master’s program in biology, ecology, pest management, agriculture, entomology or in a discipline related to the position study subject either from the University of Windsor (ON), Université de Montréal (QC) or from the University of Guelph (ON).

Degree equivalency

Experience:
 Experience* in designing experiments and developing methodologies.
 Experience* in handling organisms

*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)

Various language requirements
English essential
Bilingual Imperative

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
 Knowledge of biological control and pest management.
 Knowledge of factors important to rearing arthropods in the laboratory.

Competencies:
 Data analysis
 Report writing
 Initiative
 Analytical thinking
 Communication skills
 Teamwork

Abilities:
 Ability to make observations, collect and record data accurately and interpret and analyze results.

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
Known allergies must be controlled through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication and must not impinge upon the duties to be performed.
With appropriate safety precautions in place, ability and willingness to work in laboratory, greenhouse and/or field for extended periods at a time.
Ability and willingness to work under various weather or climatic conditions.
Ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials.
Ability and willingness to work on week-ends or evenings.
Ability and willingness to work with arthropods.

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.