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.
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).
The student will conduct research on Pseudomonas syringae bacteriophages and nanoparticles, with the aim of treating bacterial blight on blueberry plants. Expected approaches include:
Isolation and characterization of Pseudomonas syringae and novel bacteriophages associated with plant pathogenic bacteria
Synthesis of nanoparticles
Ability to conduct greenhouse and field trials to understand three way interactions among bacteriophage, bacteria and plants; efficacy of bacteriophages and nanoparticles in supressing bacterial blight of blueberry
Ability to analyze data (plant pathological and genomic data) using different statistical and bioinformatics software
Preparation of reports and manuscripts for publication in reputable scientific journals.
The food microbiology program at the Summerland Research and Development Centre is led by Dr. Karen Fong and conducts research to ensure the safety and security of the Canadian food supply. The Summerland Research and Development Centre is one of 20 research centres in Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s national network. Established in 1914, it is in the heart of the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia and contains a food processing facility, a control level II laboratory and a full microscopy suite. The Agassiz Research and Development Centre is one of 20 research centres in Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s national network. The 310 hectare research facility is located in the eastern end of the highly productive Fraser Valley in the town of Agassiz. The Plant Pathology research program at the Agassiz Research & Development Centre focuses on diseases of high value horticultural crops with the overall goal of applying knowledge and practices for sustainable management. Under the supervision of Drs. Fong and Burlakoti, the student will work closely with a full-time Research Technician (Plant Pathology/Food Microbiology) at both centres. The student will also have opportunities to work with other graduate and undergraduate students. Work in the field, the laboratory, and at the computer can be expected. The research areas of the PhD student include isolation and characterization of bacteriophage and plant pathogenic bacteria, genome structure of pathogens, understanding interaction among bacteriophage, plant pathogenic bacteria and Vaccinium spp. (blueberry), and managing bacterial disease of highbush blueberry using bacteriophage and next generation plant protection products/techniques.
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
Your résumé.
A covering letter "A covering letter which includes candidate’s academic background, relevant course work and/or academic experience in microbiology/plant pathology, molecular biology, statistics and relevant areas. Candidate should highlight their skills, knowledge and willingness to learn statistical and molecular data analyses including any relevant software/pipelines with which they are familiar. Candidates are encouraged to provide their research interest/statement."
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
Education:
Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by the date of appointment in a doctorate program at The University of British Columbia.
*Note: Due to the nature and duration of the project, priority will be given to candidates who will be able to join on May 1 , 2025.
Experience:
Candidate should have strong analytical skills and a good understanding of microbiological principles as it relates to plant pathology and/or food safety.
- Experience in conducting scientific research
- Experience in basic biological, microbiological or molecular biological techniques.
- Experience in data analyses and scientific publications or presentations.
*In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through the studies, work experience, or volunteer activities.
English essential
Information on language requirements
Knowledge:
Knowledge of the theories and techniques of microbiology, plant biology, crop production, molecular biology, and relevant areas in agriculture
Knowledge of experimental design and statistics
Competencies:
Initiative
Persistence
Adaptability
Independence
Planning & organization
Good interpersonal skills
Abilities:
Ability to plan, design and conduct scientific research
Ability to accurately collect, record and analyze data and summarize results
Ability to communicate well orally (including presentations and seminars) and in writing
Ability to prepare reports, thesis and manuscripts for scientific journals (It is expected that the graduate students will publish 2-3 manuscripts in reputable scientific journals).
Ability to work independently
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
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.
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.
We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.