Master’s or PhD Student Research Affiliate Position in potato gene editing - Research Affiliate Program

Update: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to 23 August, 2021 - 23:59, Pacific Time.

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 duties of the incumbent will include, and not limited to, gene identification, gene characterization, gene editing, protoplast isolation and transfection, tissue culture, plant regeneration, growing plants in growth chamber, greenhouse and/or field, collecting tuber phenotypic data, collecting and processing samples, generate molecular data, writing thesis, presenting seminars and posters, defend the masters or PhD thesis.

Work environment

Under minor supervision, the incumbent will be responsible for generating gene-edited potato plants and characterizing tubers for the non-greening trait after light exposure.

The incumbent will be based at the AAFC Charlottetown Research and Development Centre (CRDC).

The Charlottetown Research and Development Centre was established in 1909 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

The Centre has an office-laboratory complex in Charlottetown and a research farm in Harrington, PEI, where it conducts research trials in field and greenhouse on a variety of crops and cropping systems.

The overall research direction for Charlottetown Research and Development Centre is to take production beyond traditional commodity-based markets and to open new areas to producers in the Region while maintaining environmental sustainability.

The Centre leads research in:
• Integrated crop production systems and agricultural diversification;
• Bio-based products and processes from bioresources in existing and emerging crops;
• Environmental sustainability and improved performance of the agricultural production system.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "Please explain your interest in this project and how you feels fit as an ideal candidate."

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 or a PhD program in a recognized post-secondary academic institution with specialization in: agricultural science, plant biology, plant physiology, plant pathology, biochemistry, microbiology, or any relevant area.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience* in laboratory and field or greenhouse work.
Experience* in plant molecular biology.

*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 in genetics and genomics.
Knowledge of at least three subjects:
1.Plant biology 2.Plant physiology 3.Plant molecular biology 4.Plant biochemistry.
Knowledge of statistical concepts.
Knowledge of experimental design.

Competencies:
Teamwork.
Attention to detail.
Initiative.
Adaptability.
Interactive communication.

Abilities:
Ability to record, keep and maintain accurate, detailed and well organized records and collecting and interpreting data.
Ability to use computer software for spreadsheets, organizing and analyzing data.

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

Agriculture and Agri-food Canada recognizes that the diversity of its employee population contributes to its strength and integrity. We are committed to achieving employment equity and developing a highly capable workforce that is representative of Canadian Society. We encourage women (especially in non-traditional occupations), Indigenous peoples (Aboriginal peoples), persons with disabilities, and members of visible minority groups to apply and declare themselves as part of one or more of the Employment Equity groups as selection may be limited to candidates belonging to one or more of the groups.

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.

Valid driver’s license.
Ability and willingness to travel for field work.
Ability and willingness to work in laboratory with hazardous materials.
Ability and willingness to work in greenhouse and on occasion under rain and heat environment in field conditions.
Ability and willingness to do repetitive tasks.

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.