Master's (MSc) 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

• Carry out fundamental bacteriological techniques (e.g. culturing strains, media preparation, transformations).
• Cloning, nucleic acid extraction from various matrices, PCR, qRT-PCR, Western immunoblots, enzyme kinetics, analysis of metagenomic DNA sequencing data, knowledge of various antimicrobial susceptibility testing assays.
• Independently troubleshoot and modify experimental protocols, read scientific literature to solve problems.
• Must document, interpret, and report experimental data.

Work environment

The London Research and Development Centre (London RDC) located in London, Ontario was established in 1951. It is one of the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC) network of 20 research and development centres. The research site conducts research in the areas of air, water and soil, development of sustainable and profitable crop production systems for field crops and integrated pest management in the heart of one of the most intensive, diverse and productive agri-food regions in Canada. Day-to-day hands-on research work will be conducted at London RDC, with coursework and other academic activity completed at the Microbiology and Immunology Department –University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario.

The position described here is focused on antimicrobial resistance development and dissemination in agriculture. current project seeks to identify agriculture practices that promote the evolution, accumulation, and dissemination of antibiotic resistant bacteria. In doing so, we can then inform better management practices to reduce the accumulation and transmission of antibiotic resistant bacteria in agriculture so that our current arsenal of antibiotics used to treat humans and animal bacterial infections remain effective. Using a combination of microbiology, molecular biology, biochemical, and next generation sequencing techniques, the current project seeks to elucidate the role of a herbicidal compounds in selecting for drug resistant bacteria. Knowledge gained from this study will be foundational in informing Canadian and global policy on the use of herbicides in agriculture.

Students will have the opportunity to develop skills related to bacteriological (e.g. culturing strains, media preparation, transformations) and biochemical techniques including in vitro evolution experiments, cloning, nucleic acid extraction from various matrices, PCR, qRT-PCR, analysis of metagenomic sequencing data, knowledge of various antimicrobial susceptibility testing assays.

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.

A covering letter "Please provide a short paragraph (up to 250 words) describing your research experience and/or your knowledge of microbiology based on experience/coursework."

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 of Science (MSc) program with one of the following specializations:
• Microbiology;
• Bacteriology;
• Molecular biology.

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. Students should meet eligibility requirements to enroll at the University of Western Ontario within the Microbiology and Immunology Department. 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* working in a wet-laboratory setting in fields that include, but are not limited to, bacteriology, biochemistry, or molecular biology .
• Experience* with next-generation sequencing data and open-source bioinformatics tools.

*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 in bacteriology, molecular biology, biochemistry or bioinformatics.
Knowledge of antimicrobial resistance.
Knowledge of various antimicrobial susceptibility testing assays.
Knowledge of documenting, interpreting, and reporting experimental data.

Competencies:
Problem Solving
Planning and organizing
Initiative
Teamwork
Time Management
Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Abilities:
• Ability to multitask.
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others.
• Ability to troubleshoot experiments.

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.