Apiculture M.Sc. Student - 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

- Perform field experiments to evaluate the efficacy of novel miticides to suppress Varroa destructor populations.
- Perform lab assays to quantify populations of mites in honey bee colonies and within honey bee brood.
- Perform lab assays to detect honey bee pathogens.
- Summarize and analyze data, and prepare manuscripts from experimental work.

Work environment

The candidate will be required to work outdoors managing honey bee colonies to perform experiments and work in a molecular biological laboratory for the detection of honey bee pathogens. Outdoor work will be under a variety of summer and fall weather conditions. Working with honey bee colonies will subject the candidate to honey bee stings and the need to spend long hours outdoors manipulating and managing bee colonies, applying miticides and collecting samples.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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 will be enrolled by the date of appointment in a Master’s program at the University of Alberta in Biological Sciences with a specialization In Apiculture.

Students must possess a Bachelor of Science degree from a recognized post-secondary academic institution with specialization in Molecular and Microbial biology.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience* in biological field work.
Experience* in the use of molecular biology techniques.

*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 season-round management of honey bee colonies under Canadian prairie conditions.
Knowledge of honey bee disease, parasites and pests.

Competencies:
Interactive Communication
Teamwork

Abilities:
Ability to use scientific instruments and tools, including use of PCR (polymerase chain reaction).
Ability to write reports, technical bulletins, posters and assist in drafting scientific papers.

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

Operational Requirements:
Ability and willingness to work with chemical reagents used to treat honey bee diseases and mites.
Ability and willingness to tolerate honey bee stings.
Ability and willingness to work in a laboratory environment.
Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication without impinging on the duties to be performed
Ability and willingness to work in various weather conditions.

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.