MSc Student for canola wax manipulation - 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

Design and generation of plant transformation vectors.
Observation and recording of plant growth.
Chemical analysis of plant wax by solvent extraction and gas chromatography.
Assessment of gene expression through techniques such as RT-PCR.
Interpretation and presentation of data through written and verbal reports (PowerPoint).

Work environment

An opportunity exists for a motivated student to learn plant molecular biology and lipid analytical techniques to explore ways to help crops better protect themselves from drought stress. The outer surfaces of land plants are covered in a layer of wax. This hydrophobic material protects the plant from water loss, but also plays a role in deflecting UV-light and defending against attack by fungal pathogens and insect pests. Using Brassica napus (canola) as a model plant, the student will apply genetic engineering techniques to modify the chemical composition of surface wax through the down-regulation or over-expression of specific genes. The student will also monitor the engineered plants through observation and gene expression analysis to determine the effects of genetic manipulation on plant growth and the ability to retain water.
This laboratory based project will be conducted at the AAFC-SRDC on the campus of the University of Saskatchewan, allowing the candidate to interact with the vibrant student community. In addition to bench and greenhouse work, the student will also have opportunities to prepare and publish research results and present their work at scientific conferences.

Students interested in this M.Sc. position can contact Dr Mark Smith at AAFC-SRDC () for further information.
Anticipated start date will be September 1st 2022 for a period of up to 2.5 years.

Work will be conducted in Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research laboratory. Some activities will require working in a greenhouse environment.

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: 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 will be enrolled by the date of appointment, in a Master’s program in a recognize post-secondary academic institution with specialization in: Plant Science.

*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* in laboratory work related to plants, for example the observation and measurement of plant or seedling growth rates.
Experience* in collecting and interpreting research data.
Experience* in writing research reports and presenting 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 general plant biology.
Knowledge of basic molecular biology techniques including DNA isolation and PCR.
Knowledge of basic organic chemistry.

Competencies:
Interactive communication
Initiative
Adaptability
Teamwork

Abilities:
Ability to collect plant samples.
Ability to summarize and interpret research data.

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 outside of normal working hours.
Ability and willingness to work under minimal supervision.
Ability to work in greenhouse or field.
With appropriate safely precautions, ability and willingness to work with laboratory chemicals and organic solvents.
Ability and willingness to do repetitive tasks.
Known allergies must be controlled through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication and 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.