Student Molecular Genetics Biologist and Bioinformatician - 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

In the laboratory (PCR, microbiological culture) and in bioinformatics (big data analytics)
Background: Bovine paratuberculosis is a chronic and incurable infection caused by the pathogen Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). This disease affects not only domestic ruminants but also some wildlife ruminants worldwide. In a longitudinal study of 23 paratuberculosis positive herds, roughly 500 cows were identified as positive for the disease. Analysis of paired data (feces and blood) by the same laboratory and protocols made it possible to evaluate the progression of the disease in cows that were susceptible to the disease. The pattern of disease progression is very different in infected cows.
Hypothesis: One hypothesis is that certain strains of MAP would influence the rate at which the disease progresses in dairy cows.
Project: We have identified over 1000 strains from Canadian herds. The goal of the student’s project will be to characterize the strains of MAP collected from the study animals using sequence typing to characterize the strains and correlate the prevalence observed in the herds, the progression of the disease in the infected cows, the presence of mixed genotype infection and the host immune response through its ability to generate anti-MAP antibodies. The characterization of the different strains that will be identified may support future vaccine development.

Work environment

The Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre (SRDC) is one of four Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Centres in Quebec. They all contribute to the development of the agricultural sector. Innovative projects benefit farmers, industry and the Canadian public. The SRDC is the only research centre in the national network that specializes in innovative research primarily for the Canadian dairy and swine industries. The Centre generally focuses its research on three main areas: dairy and swine production systems, dairy and swine health and welfare, and environmental sustainability. To achieve optimal development in these three areas, SRDC research teams work with partners in these industries and in academia.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "What motivated you to pursue graduate studies?"

Contact information for 3 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 PhD program in a recognize post-secondary academic institution with specialization in: biology, microbiology or epidemiology.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience* working in molecular biology in a laboratory.
Experience* working in genetics in a laboratory.
Experience* in bioinformatics analysis.
Experience* working in a biosafety level 2 laboratory.

*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 of the Python programming language.
Knowledge of genetics.
Knowledge of molecular biology.

Competencies:
Interactive communication
Planning and organizing
Team work

Abilities:
Ability to work under a laminar flow hood.
Ability to work in command lines (computer).
Ability to work in a LINUX environment.

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.

All employees of the core public administration are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and attest to their vaccination status unless accommodated based on a medical contraindication, religion, or another prohibited ground for discrimination as defined under the Canadian Human Rights Act.

Willingness to work in a biosafety level 2 laboratory.
Ability to travel between the university and the Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre.
Willingness to work irregular hours.
Willingness to work with chemicals.
Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication and this must not impinge upon the duties to be performed.

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.

On October 6, 2021, the Government of Canada announced details of its plans to require vaccination across the federal public service. The details can be found on this site: https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/news/2021/10/backgrounder-covid-19-vaccine-requirement-for-the-federal-workforce.html

As per the new Policy on COVID-19 Vaccination for the Core Public Administration Including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, federal public servants in the Core Public Administration and members of the RCMP must attest to their vaccination status. The requirement for employees to be fully vaccinated applies whether they are teleworking, working remotely or working on-site. This is a condition of employment and it applies to indeterminate (permanent), determinate (term), casual, and student hiring. Should you reach the point in the selection process where it is necessary to verify terms and conditions of employment then the hiring manager or a human resources representative will contact you in order to complete an attestation. The Policy can be found on this site: https://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=32694

Preference

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.