Update: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to April 3 2025 - 23:59, Pacific Time.
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 be leading data collection work on a project investigating the interaction of problematic pulse crop diseases with common and problematic weeds. The student will be collecting leguminous weeds from fields to determine via molecular techniques if the weeds are infected by problematic plant pathogens. In addition the student will conduct greenhouse studies to determine if common weeds can be infected by problematic pulse crop pathogens, and whether these pathogens can use these hosts to complete their life cycle. The student will be guided in this project by co-supervisors and a supervisory committee.
The student will be hired through Agriculture and Agri-food Canada Lacombe, but will spend much of their time at the University of Alberta. The University of Alberta is well equipped with greenhouses, growth chambers and laboratories. The Lacombe RDC is well equipped with a field research base as well as laboratories and limited growth chamber space. Work during the summer will include work outdoors in heat, and with the potential for insects and inclement weather. Travel will be required for this project to AAFC Lethbridge and for a short time to AAFC Swift Current and the surrounding area.
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.
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:
Candidate must be enrolled now, or will be enrolled by the date of the appointment, in a master's program at the University of Alberta with a specialization in
Plant Science, Agriculture or other related specialty.
OR
Is completing a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Agriculture degree from a recognized university with a specialization in agriculture, plant science or biology and enrolled or will be enrolled by September 2025 in a master’s program at the University of Alberta.
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.
Experience:
Experience in microbiology research, such as culturing microorganisms, preparing media using sterile technique.
Experience in molecular biology techniques, such as nucleic acid extractions and PCR assays.
Experience in conducting research related to plants or agriculture
Experience in presenting or summarizing data via presentations, reports or posters.
Note: In the context of student recruitment in the federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through studies, work experience or volunteer activities.
English essential
Information on language requirements
Knowledge:
Knowledge of agricultural crops grown in the Prairies.
Knowledge of disease management practices.
Knowledge of statistical tools in research and data analysis.
Knowledge of some common weed species
Competencies:
Planning and Organizing
Interactive communication
Initiative
Abilities:
Ability to perform lab work with minimal supervision.
Ability to effectively communicate in writing and orally
Ability to use computer software for data management and statistical analysis.
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
Operational requirements:
Valid Class 5 drivers license
Ability and willingness to work in a laboratory/greenhouse/growth cabinet with chemicals, and collect plant and/or soil samples in plots under field conditions where climate varies.
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.