Microbial Ecology Master’s Student
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada · Lethbridge · · Open to the public
Open August 20 to September 11, 2026
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Microbial Ecology Master’s Student - Research Affiliate Program
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Science and Technology Branch
Closing date: September 28, 2026 - 23:59, Pacific Time
AGR26J-188461-000002
26-AGR-RAP-27
Lethbridge (Alberta)
The projected start date is January 4, 2027 with an end date of January 9, 2029 (or depending on the candidate's availability or needs). It is expected that the student will work 16 to 19 hours per week.
$25.17 to $31.69 per hour - Varies as per the level of education and experience.
Persons residing in Canada, Canadian citizens, and Permanent residents abroad.To be considered for Research Affiliate Program (RAP) work opportunities, all candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria by the date of appointment:
- Be recognized as having full-time student status at an accredited Canadian post-secondary academic institution (this includes students with a disability deemed to have full-time status). Individuals pending approval of acceptance or in the process of submitting applications are encouraged to apply, as proof of enrollment will only be required prior to the start date.
- Be enrolled in an academic program that requires research as part of the curriculum.
- Be at least the minimum age to work in the province or territory where the job is located.
For further information on the organization, please visit Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
On this page
- About the position
- Conditions of employment
- Operational Requirements
- You need (essential for the job)
- Language requirements (essential for the job)
- Our commitment
- Equity, diversity and inclusion
- Preference
- How to apply
- Additional links
- Hiring organization contact
About the position
The student will explore parameters associated with irrigated and non-irrigated croplands including: soil microbial community composition and diversity, soil organic carbon, soil microbial respiration, plant-available nitrogen, and orthophosphate concentrations. This project will create a framework of parameters which will be shared with producers and industry leaders to maintain or restore soil health. The successful candidate will receive hands-on training in:
• Soil sampling and field experimental methods
• Microbiological and soil science laboratory methods
• Statistical Analysis in R
• Scientific communication and project management
This interdisciplinary training will prepare the student for future careers in academia, soil sciences, environmental microbiology, and related industries.
Applications are invited for a funded MSc project in the Gorzelak and Chau Labs at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre in association with the University of Lethbridge. The project will investigate how indicators of soil health in dryland agricultural systems respond following irrigation expansion.Field work will be conducted at irrigated and non-irrigated croplands in Lethbridge County. Soil analyses are to be completed in the laboratory while data analysis and writing will be undertaken in office space at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre.
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Conditions of employment
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.
Learn more about security screening process.
Operational Requirements
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours and overtime.
Ability and willingness to travel.
Ability and willingness to wear personal protective equipment.
Ability and willingness to work with hazardous chemicals and biological materials.
Ability and willingness to work under various environmental and weather conditions.
Ability and willingness to work in office, laboratory, and field environments.
You need (essential for the job)
Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by the date of the appointment in a master's program at the University of Lethbridge with a specialization in
• Agricultural Biotechnology
• Biological Sciences;
• Biotechnology;
• Biochemistry; or
• Environmental SciencesNote: 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.
Learn more about degree equivalency.
Experience in a molecular biology laboratory or a field research environment.Note: In the context of student recruitment in the federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through studies, work experience or volunteer activities.
Knowledge of soil science, microbiology, or agricultural systems.
Written and oral communication
Analytical thinking
Planning and Organizing
Creativity
Ability to collect, analyze and interpret scientific datasets.
Language requirements (essential for the job)
Learn more about language requirements.
Our commitment
We're 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 contact the hiring organization below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
Learn more about assessment accommodation.
Equity, diversity and inclusion
The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the population it serves. We promote employment equity and encourage you to self-declare if you belong to one of the designated employment equity groups when you apply.
Learn more about diversity and inclusion in the public service.
Learn more about employment equity.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada recognizes that the diversity of its employee population contributes to its strength and integrity. AAFC 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.Preference
Preference will be given to veterans first, followed by Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of jobs located in Nunavut or Yukon. For positions located in Nunavut, qualified Inuit enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement will be appointed first. For positions located in Yukon, qualified Yukon First Nations will be appointed first, followed by qualified Indigenous persons.
Learn more about preference to veterans.
How to apply
Learn more about applying for Government of Canada jobs.
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
We'd like to thank all those who apply. However, only the people selected for further consideration will be contacted.