Graduate Student (MSc), Plant Stress and Nutrition - 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

The student will be involved in a study aimed at evaluating the impact of various soil properties and agricultural practices on plant nutrient use efficiencies, stress responses, and growth phenotypes. The work includes continuous plant maintenance, conducting treatments and data collections in field and greenhouse environments, as well as the collection, preparation, and analysis of samples for the evaluation of plant stress and other physiological responses, root growth, and soil properties. The student will collect and analyze data and document the results in the form of an MSc thesis, journal articles, and conference proceedings. Specifically, the major duties include:
Conducting field, greenhouse, and laboratory studies to evaluate plant growth and soil properties.
Maintaining records related to the research topic.
Performing statistical analyses of data, presenting and discussing results.

Work environment

The Agassiz Research and Development Centre (Agassiz RDC) is located in Agassiz, British Columbia. It is one of the 20 research centers of Agriculture and Agri Food Canada. The Centre focuses its research activities in the following four broad strategic areas: soil health management, innovative crop production systems, integrated pest management and biodiversity enhancement. The selected candidate will work closely with researchers in the fields of plant physiology, soil health, and nutrient management.
• The role involves the cultivation and proper maintenance of plants for research purposes, the handling of chemicals for various laboratory analyses, and the use of different instruments and software for data collection and analysis.
• The student is expected to work in field, greenhouse, and laboratory environments.
• Work may require periods of bending, kneeling, twisting, lifting, and the movement of plants and other materials for various experimental tasks indoors and in the field.
• Periods of exposure to unfavorable conditions, including inclement weather, temperature extremes, loud equipment noise, dust, pollen, insects, various plants and weeds, and agricultural and laboratory chemicals, is possible.
• Some tasks may necessitate wearing protective gear, such as face masks, ear and eye protection, boots, gloves, and coveralls.

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 explain in about 500 words why you are interested in this position and how your educational background and relevant experience will help you deliver the needs of this position."

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 a recognized post-secondary institution with a specialization in plant science, environmental science or related discipline relevant to the project scope.

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 should meet the eligibility requirement to enroll at the University of Alberta.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience* in conducting crop research experiments in the field or greenhouse acquired through academic studies, work or other relevant activities.

*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 in plant science.

Competencies:
Attention to detail.
Critical thinking.
Creativity.
Initiative.

Abilities:
Ability to work with various scientific instruments for plant and soils analyses.
Ability to conduct treatments and data collections in field and greenhouse conditions and analyze data.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in 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.

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.