Plant Pathology 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

The research project seeks to build a collection of Sclerotinia and Botrytis isolates from field crops in southern Alberta, and to characterize their aggressiveness to a broad range of crop hosts, and sensitivity to fungicides, using standard phenotyping methods. The work will consist of some field work to collect disease specimens, lab work to isolate and purify cultures, greenhouse work to phenotype isolates, and molecular work to characterize isolates using multi-locus genotype sequencing.

Work environment

Greenhouse and lab work will be conducted at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre (LeRDC) of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Lab work will be conducted using shared equipment in various labs at LeRDC. Travel to fields within 1.5 hours of Lethbridge will be required for sample and data collection.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 2 references.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Education:
Currently enrolled or accepted in an MSc program at the University of Lethbridge, AB in the Department of Biology with specialization in biological sciences.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience* culturing microorganisms OR growing plants in a greenhouse.
Experience* in assessing disease in the field OR greenhouse.
Experience* performing field work.

*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 agricultural crops grown in the Prairies.
Knowledge of disease management.
Knowledge of experimental design and methods for their statistical analysis.

Competencies:
Planning and Organizing.
Interactive communication.
Initiative.

Abilities:
Ability to perform lab work with minimal supervision.
Ability to analyze data and prepare scientific manuscripts.
Ability to present scientific data to a diverse audience.

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.

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.