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 candidate will be responsible for providing computational programing and analytical chemistry support for data preprocessing and multivariate/univariate statistical analysis of metabolomics data from several on-going research projects, aligned with one of our several mandated research goals. The candidate will be expected to carry out statistical analysis and write their own scripts in Phyton and the R computational environment. Other tasks will include preparation and handling of microbial cultures involving proper aseptic technique; solvent extraction and preparation of extracts for UPLC-HRMS profiling; and proper chemical waste management and routine laboratory maintenance. The candidate will have an opportunity to carry out small molecule structure elucidation or CRISPR-Cas 9 gene editing in fungi. By the end of the research term, the candidate will be responsible for the preparation of a written report summarizing their results obtain during their work term. The candidate will be provided with on the job training in metabolomics data processing.

Work environment

The site of work is situated on the fourth floor of the Neatby Bldg. at the Ottawa Research and Development Centre in Ottawa, Ontario. The student will need to be physically working from this site. Work will be done in chemistry and microbiology labs working in the field of metabolomics and plant pathogen research. The lab is a communal environment, where work will be carried out both alone and in teams and space may be shared between research groups.

Intent of the process

The intent of this process is to fill at least 1 position for a Research Assistant. However, depending on the availability of funds, more positions may be staffed based on future needs.
The student will need to be physically working from the Ottawa office.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 1 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, if recently graduated from a post-secondary program, will be enrolled by September 2022, in a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD program in a recognized post-secondary academic institution with specialization in: Biochemistry, Chemistry, or Bio-molecular Sciences.

Note: Must be currently recognized as having full-time student status in the academic institution in which you are presently enrolled and must be returning to full-time studies for your next academic term.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience * in the preparation and handling of microbial cultures involving proper aseptic technique.
Experience * in the use of analytical chemistry tools such as liquid or gas chromatography.
Proficiency * in working with MS Excel for data management and analysis.
Experience * in programing in Phyton or the R computational environment.

* In the context of student recruitment in the federal public service, experience can be acquired through studies, work experience and 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 computer programing in Phyton.
Knowledge of theory and principles of mass spectrometry and the interpretation of mass spectrometry data.
Knowledge of theory and principles in CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing – or – small molecule structure elucidation.

Competencies:
Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Problem Solving.

Abilities:
Ability to work in a team to deliver on work objectives.

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.

Ability and willingness to work in a laboratory environment for extended periods of time and under normal safety precautions.
Ability and willingness to work with chemicals and other hazardous materials with the appropriate personal protective equipment.
Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication without impinging on 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.