PHD Student – Recombinase Polymerase Amplification targeting bacterial pathogens - 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 emails from unknown users (some email systems block these types of emails).

Duties

- collection, logging, transport and processing of samples (nasopharyngeal swab samples).
- design of novel recombinase polymerase amplification assays targeting bacterial pathogens, antibiotic resistance genes, and mobile genetic elements important in bovine respiratory disease.
- molecular and microbiology duties include, but are not limited to, DNA extraction, media preparation, protein extraction, protein purification, bacterial culture.
- calibration of laboratory equipment.
- data entry and initial analysis; record maintenance.

Work environment

The Lethbridge Research & Development Centre (LeRDC) is one of the largest within Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's national network. The Centre has 46 Research Scientists plus support staff. Research is grouped in the areas of environmental health, bioproducts and bioprocesses, sustainable production systems and food safety and nutrition. LeRDC has excellent laboratory and farm facilities, including a research feedlot.

Our research team examines Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in livestock, including pathogens related to bovine respiratory disease, from a "One Health Perspective".

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 PhD program at the University of Saskatchewan in Veterinary Pathology.

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 the student must be returning to full-time studies for your next academic term.
The student must meet the eligibility criteria to enroll at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience* with recombinase polymerase amplification assays (RPA).
Experience* in collecting, logging, transporting and processing of samples of nasopharyngeal swabs.

*In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through 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 of laboratory procedures and techniques related to microbiology and antibiotic resistance.
Knowledge of handling and manipulating routine research experiments.
Knowledge of veterinary anatomic pathology and bovine respiratory disease.

Competencies:
Planning and Organizing.
Initiative.
Teamwork.
Interactive communication.

Abilities:
Ability to operate and maintain a variety of laboratory and field equipment.
Ability to collect and perform analyses on biological materials including fecal, rumen, and nasal swabs.

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 overtime including evenings and weekends.
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours.

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 online through https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/opportunities/government.html.

Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying online 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.