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 focus on developing and advancing alfalfa and sainfoin mutant populations generated through chemical mutagenesis and/or CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing techniques. Their responsibilities will include screening mutants using molecular techniques, designing crosses and performing plant hybridization, assessing lipid composition, conducting multi-location field trials, validating candidate genes, performing in vitro experiments and evaluating greenhouse trials. In addition, the student will develop genomic selection models and apply them to identify high-lipid genotypes. The candidate is expected to collect and analyze data and to publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals.
As one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, AAFC takes pride in fostering a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace where all employees are valued for their unique qualities, ideas, voices, and perspectives.
The Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, located in Lethbridge, AB, is one of the largest facilities within AAFC’s network of 20 research and development centres. Lethbridge is a vibrant mid-sized city with a population of approximately 100,000. It is situated two hours south of Calgary and just one hour north of the U.S. border, offering convenient access to a wide range of amenities and destinations within driving distance.
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 3 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 University of Alberta with a specialization in : Plant Breeding, Plant Genetics, Applied Statistics and/or Molecular 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.
Experience:
Experience* in agricultural based field, greenhouse and molecular lab research
Experience* in analysis of DNA or RNA sequencing data
*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 plant breeding and genetics
Knowledge of hybridization of plants
Knowledge of experimental designs and statistical analysis
Knowledge of bioinformatics
Competencies:
Adaptability
Initiative
Judgement
Teamwork
Interactive Communication
Abilities:
Ability to write and communicate results effectively to diverse audiences
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
Ability and willingness to work in field, greenhouse and molecular laboratory with limited supervision
Ability and willingness to work under various environmental and weather conditions.
Ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials and chemicals.
Willingness to work off hours
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.