Graduate student – Soybean Cyst Nematode, pathotype evolution MSc or PhD - 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 conduct research on soils from research fields in Southern Ontario that have a history of Soybean Cyst Nematodes (SCN). Expected approaches include: 1) complete SCN pathotype screening in controlled environment chambers and established field microplots 2) compare the rate of pathotype change in regards to soybean selection pressures, 3) test existing sources or soybean SCN resistance against evolving pathogen profiles from Ontario.

Work environment

The Harrow (Ontario) Research and Development Center (RDC) is one of 20 Research Centres under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's national network. The facilities include a modern lab/office complex to house more than 100 full-time staff and two research farms for field studies. Harrow RDC is a lead contributor in soybean pathology and soil microbiology. The pathology and soil science programs combine pure and applied science that are used to develop soil management and disease mitigation strategies for the agriculture sector.

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 Masters or PhD program at a recognized post-secondary academic institution in one of the following specializations:
- Plant pathology
- Nematology
- Molecular biology
- Plant breeding
- Agronomy

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 plant pathology or physiology.
Experience* in microscopy or molecular biology.

* 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 essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
Knowledge of plant diseases.
Knowledge of experimental design and statistics.

Competencies:
Interpersonal skills
Planning and organization
Initiative

Abilities:
Ability to communicate well orally and in writing.
Ability to plan, design and conduct experiments.
Ability to accurately collect, record and analyze data, and summarize results.
Ability to contribute to the development and preparation of manuscripts.

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

Operational Requirements:
Ability and willingness to work on-site at the Harrow Research and Development Centre.
Ability and willingness to work in the laboratory and field for extended periods.
Ability and willingness to travel for field work.
Ability and willingness to perform repetitive tasks.
Ability and willingness to work outside, sometimes in rain, heat or dust.

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.