Science or Agriculture Student - 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 based in the Molecular Microbial Ecology lab at the Quebec Research and Development Centre and work on samples collected as part of the Quebec Living Laboratories program under the supervision of Dr. Leewis. The overall project goal is to understand how changes in cover crops and fertilizer influence soil microbial communities and agricultural production. Specifically the candidate will use molecular tools (i.e. qPCR) to quantify microbial functional genes in soils. The project will include some or all of the following tasks, depending on candidate interests and goals:

• DNA extraction from soils.
• quantification of microbial taxonomic (e.g. 16S rRNA gene) and functional (e.g. nirK) genes in environmental samples using qPCR.
• Contribute to the development of new qPCR gene targets for analysis
• Contribute to the data collection and analysis.
• Provide laboratory support for other research programs.
• Assist in the maintenance of research equipment.

Work environment

The Quebec Research and Development Centre concentrates its research work in two areas: soil-water-air resources and field crops such as forage crops.
More specifically, the Research Centre's employees are actively working on genetic improvement and the management of forage crops for Eastern Canada. It also pursues work in the management and conservation of soil-water-air resources. In addition, the Quebec Research and Development Center sees to the development of forage and cereal production methods adapted to the context of sustainable agriculture.

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.

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 program leading to a Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master's, or PhD program in a recognize post-secondary academic institution with specialization in:

• Microbiology
• Environmental microbiology
• Molecular biology
• Biology
• Biochemistry
• Environmental Sciences
• Environmental Biotechnology
• Soil Science
• A related science program or other related fields.

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* conducting laboratory experiments. Experience can include PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, pipetting, etc.
Experience* in analyzing samples using molecular techniques (e.g. qPCR).

*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 or French

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
Knowledge of sterile technique.

Competencies:
Interactive communication
Planning and organization
Teamwork

Abilities:
Ability to follow directions.

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

Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication without impinging on the duties to be performed.
Ability and willingness to work for long periods in laboratory, greenhouse or field where appropriate safety measures are in place.
Ability and willingness to work outdoors under various weather conditions, and to be exposed to stinging insects.
Ability and willingness to be in contact with hazardous materials, where the usual safety measures are in place.

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.