Entomology Research Student - Research Affiliate Program

Update: Please note that there has been an amendment to the conditions of employment for this selection process and therefore the closing date has been extended to June 22, 2022 - 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

Perform a scouting in experimental plots to assess the density of pests and natural enemies;
Conduct greenhouse and laboratory experiments;
Analyze the results and produce a report;
Write scientific papers and research reports.

Work environment

The Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Research and Development Centre helps the Canadian horticultural sector to remain competitive and sustainable by developing original knowledge, tools and know-how, primarily in the fields of horticultural crop protection with an approach biovigilance and precision horticulture. The center is very supportive of the departmental priority to "Develop new knowledge, foster innovation and increase the adoption and commercialization of agri-food and agro-industrial products, practices or processes."

The centre has three research sub-stations at L'Acadie, Sainte-Clotilde and at Frelighsburg (Quebec). These sites comprise a total of 245 hectares, characterized by clay and muck soils.

This job offer stems from a research project on pest management in vegetable production promoting plant and genetic diversity at different spatial scales to increase the stability of the agroecosystem and limit pesticides dependence in lettuce. Candidate #1 will have to evaluate the diversity of herbivorous insects and natural enemies recruited in the flower strips according to the selected floral species. Molecular tools will need to be adapted to facilitate species identification and quantification. Candidate # 2 will have to evaluate the effect of plant diversity on diversification of arthropod communities in lettuce, on biological control of pests and on trophic interactions.

AAFC is committed to diversity and inclusion. We have several networks dedicated to ensuring that the department continues to grow as an inclusive, accessible, respectful and diverse workplace. All employees are encouraged and welcomed to join the networks and participate in their activities and events.

• The Gender and Sexual Diversity Inclusiveness Network
• The Indigenous Network Circle
• The Managers' Community
• The Persons with Disabilities Network
• The Student Panel of Representatives for Orientation, Unity and Training
• The Visible Minorities Network
• The Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network
• The Young Professional's Network

Positions to be filled: 2

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 will be enrolled by the date of appointment in a PhD program in a recognized post-secondary academic institution with specialization in: Biology, Ecology or Agronomy.

*Note: Must be currently recognized as having full-time student status in the academic institution in which you are presently enrolled, pending approval of acceptance or in the process of submitting your application. (Proof of enrollment will be required prior to start date) and must be returning to full-time studies for your next academic term.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience* performing laboratory or field experiments.
Experience* in collection and analysis of samples.
Experience* in writing scientific papers or research reports.

*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)

French essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
Knowledge in monitoring or identification of insects.
Knowledge in molecular biology.

Competencies:
Initiative
In-depth reflection
Judgment
Teamwork
Demonstrate integrity and respect

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
Possession of a valid driver's license or personal mobility to the extent normally associated with the possession of a valid driver's license.

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.