Entomology Technician - 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 successful applicant will work semi-independently in a research environment as part of a larger team. They will use results of advanced generation DNA sequencing and bioinformatic computer software to characterize the gut microbiome for different species of insects. Specific duties will include, but may not be limited to: maintaining insect colonies, dissecting insects, extracting and preparing DNA for advanced generation sequencing, and using bioinformatics computer software to interpret sequence results.

They will review scientific literature and interpret results within the context of their own research. They will analyse the results of their experiments with appropriate statistical tests. They will present their findings in written and oral format according to guidelines acceptable to the scientific community. These collective efforts will form the basis of a M.Sc. thesis.

Work will be co-located at the University of Lethbridge and at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Lethbridge, AB.

Work environment

This is a lab-based position. Work will involve handling insect colonies and exposure to potential allergens (dust, fine hairs). Some work will be done in a quarantine facility using strict protocols. Work may be required during evenings and weekends. Considerable time will be spent sitting at a lab bench using a microscope to dissect insects and standing at a lab bench to extract and amplify DNA. The successful applicant will interact with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds; e.g., students, research technicians, research scientists.

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 or will be enrolled by the date of appointment in a Master’s program in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada with specialization in: Biological Sciences, Microbiology or related 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:
Recent** experience in a research environment, collecting, summarizing and presenting results of scientific research; developing and performing research experiments involving insects and (or) molecular sequencing.

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

** “Recent” is defined as experience gained within the last two (2) years.

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 data analyses.
Knowledge of molecular tools in biological research with a focus on insects.

Competencies:
Planning & organizational skills
Independence
Initiative
Interactive communication

Abilities:
Ability to prioritize work objectives.
Ability to work as part of a team.

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.

Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.

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.