Master student in microbial agroecology - 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 Functional Agroecology Research Team of the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu RDC and Dr. Pierre-Luc Chagnon, assistant professor at the Institut de recherche en biologie végétale (Université de Montréal), is looking for a student to conduct research leading to the writing of a Master’s thesis on interactions between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and non-host horticultural plants of the Brassicaceae family. More precisely, this will consist of a literature review, the collection of samples in the field and their analysis in the laboratory. This will be followed by the statistical analysis and interpretation of the results, as well as the writing of the Master’s thesis.

Work environment

The Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Research and Development Centre (RDC) was established in 1912. It helps keep the Canadian horticultural sector competitive and sustainable by developing original knowledge, tools and know-how, primarily in the fields of horticultural crop protection with a biovigilance approach and precision horticulture. The RDC also manages three experimental farms with a total area of 245 hectares, located in L’Acadie (mineral soil), Sainte-Clotilde (organic soil) and Frelighsburg (vineyards and orchards).

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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 the department of biological sciences of the Université de Montréal, Quebec, with a specialization in biology, microbiology, soil science, agriculture, environment or related fields.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience* in conducting a literature review on a scientific topic.
Experience* in laboratory work.
Experience* in entering and managing data in MS Excel, Python or R, as well as in analyzing data to produce scientific tables and figures.

*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)

Bilingual - Imperative

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
Knowledge in microbial ecology or microbiology.
Knowledge in soil science.

Competencies:
Teamwork
Planning and Organization
Initiative
Problem Solving

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

Ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials in a laboratory.

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 work with standard safety precautions in place.
Ability and willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions (humidity, temperature, wind and allergens).
Ability and willingness to work in laboratory and/or field environments.
Possession of a valid driver’s license or personal mobility to the extent normally associated with the possession of a valid driver’s license.

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.