M.Sc. Student - Research Affiliate Program

Update: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to November 15, 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 traditional methods of determining plant nitrogen (N) status through tissue N testing require destructive sampling of many plants, are labor-intensive, expensive and time consuming. This position will apply hyperspectral sensors for rapid and precise, non-destructive estimation of plant N over the growing seasons in the potato field. The incumbent will be responsible for executing the study including growing potato plants in the field, measuring photosynthetic parameters, and collecting and analyzing plant samples.
The incumbent will analyze the data, and develop spectral indices and technologies for crop N and protein estimation, and prediction of tuber yield and yield variables with supports from remote sensing experts and statistician. The candidate will be involved in writing scientific manuscripts and in presenting the findings at national conference/meetings.
In addition, the applicant will need to fulfill any requirements to complete MSc at the University of New Brunswick Fredericton including taking courses, writing and defending the MSc thesis.

Work environment

Located in the west-central portion of the province of New Brunswick along the Saint John River, the AAFC Fredericton Research and Development Center (FRDC) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science in agriculture. The FRDC was established in 1912 and current research consists in developing and evaluating environmentally sustainable ways to farm lands for crop production in New Brunswick.
The successful candidate will work in laboratory, and/or field environments. Laboratory work will require some prerequisite safety training.

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 eligible to enroll in a Master’s program at the University of New Brunswick Fredericton with specialization in: Plant Sciences, Environment and Natural Resources or related fields.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience* in laboratory analyses of plant samples.
Experience* in collecting, compiling, and analyzing experimental data.

*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 whole plant physiology that can be applied to the study of tuber crops, in field, laboratory and controlled environmental trials.
Knowledge of nitrogen nutrient.
Knowledge of photosynthesis.
Knowledge of Chlorophyll fluorescence.

Competencies:
Interactive communication
Planning and Organization
Problem Solving
Teamwork
Initiative

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.

Possession of a valid driver’s license or personal mobility to the extent normally associated with the possession of a valid driver’s license.
Ability and willingness to travel.
Ability and willingness to work in laboratory, greenhouse, and/or field environments for extended periods at a time.
Ability and willingness to work with plants in the laboratory, field, greenhouse or growth chamber.
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 with hazardous chemicals using appropriate safety equipment after receiving suitable training.

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.