Graduate Research Assistant – Microbiology-Immunology / Food Safety - Research Affiliate Program

Update: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to October 31, 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

Under the supervision of a research scientist in conjunction with a university professor from the host university, the candidate will conduct research in the area of microbiology, molecular biology, and poultry science, such as determining the responses (including those at the molecular or genomic level) of chickens and their gut microbiota to pathogen infection, alternatives to antibiotics and other works as requested.

Work environment

The lab is located at the Guelph Research and Development Centre – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Guelph, On). The incumbents will apply molecular biological, microbiological and bioinformatics techniques while working with a food safety research team. The project aims for apply a “one-Heath” approach to mitigate transmission of antimicrobial resistance.

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.

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 PhD program in a recognized post-secondary academic institution with specialization in Animal Science, Microbiology-Immunology or a relevant field.

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 culturing bacteria and microbial ecology research.
Experience* in medical microbiology (antibiotic resistance phenotyping and genotyping).
Experience* in cell and molecular biological techniques (e.g. but not limited to: PCR, qPCR, Mutation).
Experience* in animal research and handling farm animals.
Experience* in bioinformatics (genomic sequencing and analysis).

*In the context of student recruitment in the federal public service, experience can be acquired through studies, work experience and volunteer activities.

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

Ability and willingness to work flexible hours.
Ability and willingness to work in field, greenhouse, and wet-lab environments for extended periods at a time.
Known allergies must be controlled through the use of person protective equipment and/or medication and must not impinge upon the duties to be performed.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
Knowledge of poultry science / nutrition.
Knowledge of cell and molecular biology or microbiology.
Knowledge of bioinformatics tools.
Knowledge of MS office products.

Competencies:
Interactive Communication
Initiative
Teamwork
Problem Solving

Abilities:
Ability to work independently.
Ability to respond positively to supervision.

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.