Research Assistant – Master’s in plant root pathology - 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

Pythiums belong to the Oomycetes family and are responsible for a number of root diseases. In vegetable production, they cause damping-off and vascular diseases. Despite the significant losses associated with these species, we still know relatively little about the genetic and phenotypic aspects of pathogenicity. The aim of the master's project is therefore to :

- Sample and isolate strains of Pythium spp. from market garden crops (field);
- Evaluate the pathogenicity (phenotype) of Pythium spp. strains from the lettuce collection (greenhouse);
- Assess the susceptibility of lettuce varieties to different strains of Pythium spp. (greenhouse);
- Characterize Pythium spp. strains in the collection by sequencing (WGS) (laboratory);
- Bioinformatics analysis of genome-wide associations (laboratory).

Work environment

The MSc student's work will focus on understanding the genetic determinants of pathogenicity of the oomycete pathogen Pythium tracheiphilum, a major pest of lettuce crops. The student will work mainly in Dr. Hervé Van Der Heyden's laboratory (Phytopathology of root diseases), at the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Research and Development Center, in collaboration with Dr. Philippe Constant's research group at the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS).

Daily work will take place in a Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu AAFC research center, in a professional and relaxed environment. Work will be carried out alone or as part of a team, in close collaboration with research assistants in plant pathology and molecular biology, in the laboratory, in the greenhouse and in the field. Training in laboratory safety, experimental and molecular techniques will be provided.

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 "Describe your experience in plant pathology."

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 biology, microbiology, biotechnology, or any other discipline relevant to the field of study.

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.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience* in plant pathology research.
Experience* with molecular biology techniques.
Experience* in laboratory, greenhouse or field trials.

*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)

French essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
Knowledge of theories and principles of microbiology or biology.

Competencies:
Initiative
Autonomy
Interpersonal skills

Abilities:
Ability to collect samples in the field.
Ability to use molecular biology tools.
Ability to summarize and communicate scientific information orally and in writing.

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.