Master Student (Research Assistant) in Plant 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

We are looking for a highly motivated and collaborative individual who can work both independently and as part of a team. The student will conduct their thesis research on assessing the role of wind in the transboundary dispersal of Fusarium pathogens responsible for Fusarium Head Blight outbreaks in cereals as well as the agri-environmental factors influencing/shaping the dispersal mechanisms. The candidate will be responsible for providing both analytical and technical support for monitoring pathogen dispersal. Training in lab and field safety and experimental techniques will be provided. The main duties of the student include:

Collect environmental samples (air and soil samples).
Culture and handle microorganisms and samples containing microorganisms.
Complete DNA extractions from environmental matrices.
Quantify and perform quality control analyses of DNA.
Conduct PCR and Sanger sequencing and prepare libraries for next-generation sequencing.
Optimize molecular biology techniques to monitor microbial community in environmental samples.
Conduct bioinformatic and statistical data analyses.
Write reports on research activities and carefully document completed work.

Work environment

The Ottawa Research and Development Centre (ORDC) is one of the largest R&D centres of the Science & Technology Branch (STB) at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). ORDC is located on the beautiful, historical, 425-hectare Central Experimental Farm in downtown Ottawa and leads research in three areas: 1) Crop genetic enhancement and genomics; 2) Biodiversity of vascular plant, fungi and bacteria, and invertebrates; and 3) Integrated assessment of long-term environmental effect of agricultural practices. Research conducted at ORDC, as well as all R&D centres of STB, are aligned with national priorities to help the sector adapt and remain competitive in domestic and global markets. We work closely with other federal government agencies, provincial governments, industry, academia, and other partners in Canada and abroad to increase agricultural productivity; improve environmental performance; improve attributes for food and non-food uses; and to address threats to the agriculture and agri-food value chain.

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.

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:
Candidate must be currently enrolled or will be enrolled by the date of appointment in a Master’s program in biology, environmental microbiology, molecular biology, or other specialization related to the duties of the position at the University of Ottawa.

Note: 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 microbiology research, such as culturing microorganisms.
Experience in molecular biology techniques, such as nucleic acid extractions and PCR assays.
Experience preparing samples/libraries for Sanger and/or next-generation sequencing.
Experience scripting in common programming languages for analyzing partial DNA sequences and/or (meta)genomes.

Note: 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 fundamental concepts and principles of microbiology and molecular biology.
Knowledge of principles of plant pathology.

Competencies:
Initiative
Teamwork
Problem solving
Planning and Organization

Abilities:
Ability to use computer software for data management and statistical analyses.
Ability to communicate scientific information effectively 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

Operational requirements:
Possession of a valid driver's license or personal mobility to the extent normally associated with the possession of a valid driver's license.
Ability and willingness to work flexible operational hours.
Ability and willingness to do repetitive tasks.
Ability and willingness to work for extended periods in laboratory, greenhouse, and field under variable weather conditions.
Ability and willingness to work with hazardous chemical and biological materials in containment laboratories.
Ability and willingness to work with crops and organisms that may cause allergies.
Known allergies must be controlled through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication and must not impinge upon the duties to be performed.

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.

Contact information

Apply online