MSc student- Plant Pathology/Microbiology - 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 student will work on an interdepartmental project that aims to understand the etiology, biology of the diseases of native berries as well as exploit the non-chemical options for the sustainable diseases of native berry crops. Specific duties may include:
• Monitor/assess diseases of horticultural crops in fields and collect diseased samples from the Fraser Valley and Okanagan.
• Preparation of microbiological culture media and reagents and ability work in microbiology lab.
• Isolation and identification of plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria associated with plant diseases.
• Ability to conduct laboratory, greenhouse and field trials for characterization of the pathogen, evaluating products/compounds to suppress plant pathogens or manage plant diseases.
• Preparation of reports and manuscripts for publication.
• other duties related to those above.

Work environment

The Plant Pathology research program at the Agassiz Research & Development Centre focuses on diseases of high value horticultural crops with the overall goal of applying knowledge and practices for sustainable management. The research areas include pathogen characterization, understanding pathogen biology, disease epidemiology, and host-pathogen interaction. The Agassiz Research and Development Centre is one of 20 research centres in Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s national network. The 310 hectare research facility is located in the eastern end of the highly productive Fraser Valley in the town of Agassiz. Under the supervision of Dr. Burlakoti, the student will work closely with a full-time Plant Pathology Research Technician at the Agassiz Research & Development Centre. The student will also have opportunities to work with other graduate and undergraduate students. Work in the field, the laboratory, and at the computer can be expected.

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 2 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 in an MSc program at the Simon Fraser University of British Columbia, specializing in Plant Pathology/Microbiology, Plant Science, Agriculture or a related field.

*Note: Due to nature and duration of the project, the candidate must be able to join on September 1, 2022.

**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 conducting scientific research.
Experience* in basic biological, microbiological and/or molecular biological techniques.

*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 experimental design and statistics.
Knowledge of the theories and techniques of plant biology, microbiology and molecular biology.

Competencies:
Initiative
Adaptability
Independence
Good interpersonal skills

Abilities:
Ability to plan, design and conduct scientific research.
Ability to conduct basic data analysis, statistical analysis, and summarize results.
Ability to communicate well orally and in writing including manuscripts/thesis.

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.

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

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