Graduate student (master or PhD) in plant functional genomics - 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 candidate will be responsible for providing both analytical and technical support for the identification and characterization of novel gens with deferential geographical expression. For this reason a graduate student with previous research experience in plant genomics, transcriptomics, RNA sequencing and bioinformatics will be required. The student will be expected to have prior experience with routine molecular biology techniques such as, DNA/ RNA extraction, PCR, electrophoresis, sequencing, bioinformatics, etc. Other tasks may include preparation and handling of microbial cultures involving proper aseptic technique; solvent extraction; and proper chemical waste management and routine laboratory maintenance. By the end of the research term (two years for M.SC. and five years for Ph.D.), the student will be responsible for the preparation of a written thesis to obtain the degree.

Work environment

The site of work is situated on the fourth floor of the Neatby Building at the Ottawa Research and Development Centre in Ottawa, Ontario. Work will be done in a plant molecular biology lab working in the field of soybean and lupin genomics and proteomics research. The lab is a communal environment, where work will be carried out both alone and in teams and space may be shared between research groups.

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 "A maximum of 1000 words discussing your research expertise and knowledge of molecular biology related practices as mentioned in the duties section."

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 M.Sc or Ph.D. program at Carleton University in one of the following specializations: Molecular Biology, Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, Life Science or Computational Biology.

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 planning and executing research projects in a laboratory environment.
• Experience* in molecular biology related practices in DNA and RNA extraction from plant materials.
• Experience* in sequencing in DNA, RNA, and sequencing data analysis.
• Experience* in bioinformatics and gene ontology analysis.
• Experience* in plant genomics database (Soybean, Arabidopsis and Lupin).

*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 theory and principles of DNA, and RNA sequencing.
• Knowledge of theory and principles of Bioinformatics (Genomics and Proteomics) data analysis.
• Knowledge of theory and principles of plant genomics and proteomics.
• Knowledge of theory and principles of genetics.

Competencies:
• Creativity and innovation.
• Problem Solving.
• Teamwork.
• Interactive Communication.

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.

• Ability and willingness to work in laboratory environment for extended periods of time and under normal safety precautions.
• Ability and willingness to work with chemicals and other hazardous materials.
• Known allergies must be controlled through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication and must not impinge upon 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.