Camelina Diversity RAP (MSc/PhD) 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 emails from unknown users (some email systems block these types of emails).

Duties

The successful candidate will be assisting with a project to increase genetic diversity in the novel and highly versatile oilseed crop Camelina sativa. The project will involve a number of different aspects including: 1) identifying natural variation for important traits in related Camelina species; 2) capturing identified diversity through inter-specific crossing and genetic mapping using molecular tools; and 3) manipulating genes which impact cross species incompatibilities and genetic recombination levels. The research would involve plant husbandry, molecular analyses based on the latest genomics tools, bioinformatics and potentially gene editing.

Work environment

The Saskatoon Research and Development Centre (SRDC) is one of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's network of 19 research centres. The Centre, located in the heart of the Prairie Region, conducts research on Prairie crops to support the agri-food industry in western Canada. In addition, Saskatoon is a major location for research and development in agricultural biotechnology. The SRDC is located alongside the University of Saskatchewan (UofS), where the RAP student would be expected to register. SRDC works closely with researchers at the UofS, which provides a unique experience to students by offering teaching and research programs focusing on the physiology, development management and production of field and horticultural crops on the Canadian prairies and the management of non-arable lands.

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: 2

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "Please indicate your interests, long term goals and reason for applying for the 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 or PhD program in a recognized post-secondary institution with a specialization in Biological Sciences or Agricultural Sciences.

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.
The student must meet the eligibility requirements to enroll at the University of Saskatchewan.

Degree equivalency

Experience*:
Experience* in maintenance of plants.
Experience* working in a molecular biology lab.
Experience* in organizing information using computerized systems .

*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 plant genetics.
Knowledge of molecular biology.

Competencies:
Adaptability.
Creativity and innovation.

Abilities:
Ability to plan and manage activities of varying degrees of complexity and duration.
Ability to work autonomously and as a member of a team.
Ability to communicate effectively.

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 Conditions of employment:
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours.
Known allergies must be controlled through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication and must not impinge upon the duties to be performed.

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.