Research Assistant / Grain Research Laboratory (Master's or Ph.D Students) - 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

The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) is committed to conducting inclusive and barrier-free staffing processes, if you have a functional limitation or a disability that may impact your performance at any steps of the process, such as when submitting your application online, completing an exam or a written exercise and/or participating in an interview, you may request an accommodation.

Assessment accommodations are designed to remove the obstacles without altering the criteria being assessed, and to allow candidates to fully demonstrate their abilities.

Should you be invited to participate in an exam, a written exercise, or an interview, you will receive an e-mail including additional information on the assessment format so that you can determine if you may require an accommodation.

All information received will be kept confidential.

If you require accommodation, support in completing and submitting your application, or if you are unable to apply online, please make your request as soon as possible to the address listed below under "Contact information" prior to the closing date of this employment opportunity.

Duties

The position involves the identification and characterization of plant pathogenic fungi, including Fusarium species that infect grain crops. Activities include sampling and processing of contaminated grain samples, development of protocols, statistical analysis and interpretation of data, writing of reports and manuscripts, contribution to discussions on goals, objectives and methods of the larger research project.

Work environment

The work is performed entirely on site, in office and laboratory environments in Winnipeg, where the latter may involve standing for up to 3 hours per day while conducting analyses. None of the work can be done remotely.

There is handling and exposure risk to grain/grain dust, biological agents, chemicals, and toxic substances in the laboratory.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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 Master's or Ph.D. program at a recognized Canadian post-secondary educational institution with a specialization in molecular biology, virology, phytopathology, microbiology, biotechnology, genetics, or any other relevant discipline in the field of study.

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 must be returning to full-time studies for your next academic term.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE
• Experience conducting laboratory research.
• Experience culturing and performing Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecular analysis of ergot

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

ASSET
Experience performing matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) for fungal biotyping.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English essential

Information on language requirements

COMPETENCIES
• Effective Interactive Communication
• Being a Team Player

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 CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
- Work with and be exposed to hazardous chemicals and equipment;
- Wear appropriate protective clothing and/or equipment;
- Maintain standing and/or sitting positions for extended periods of time;
- Work in an environment where there is continual exposure to grain and flour dust (known allergies must be controlled through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication, and must not impinge upon the work to be performed);
- Move and/or lift items (up to 20 kg.); and
- Adhere to laboratory safety standards and procedures.

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

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.

Apply online