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 participate in the planning of experiments to answer research hypotheses with the overarching goal of improving understanding of metabolomic and genomic- based selection in tree fruit. The student will be responsible for executing the study including a wide variety of activities (field sampling, plant tissue culture, qPCR, metabolomics extractions and determination, basic bioinformatics processes, associating the results with genomic variations and gene expression) along with writing scientific manuscripts.
The work involves field based tissue collections and lab work at the AAFC-Summerland Research and Development Centre and lab work at the University of British Columbia – Vancouver.
The successful RAP student will be collecting samples from germplasm collections at the AAFC- Summerland Research and Development Centre for phenotyping of climate adaptive and fruit quality related traits. This work involves field collections and lab work. The student will be registered at the University of British Columbia. Prior experience working in plant genomics or molecular biology is favoured. The student will carry out their studies under the supervision of Drs. Letitia Da Ros and Simone Castellarin.
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.
Education:
Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by date of appointment in a Graduate Degree program at an accredited post-secondary university in one of the following specializations: Plant Sciences, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Environment and Natural Resources or a related field.
*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.
The student must meet the admission criteria for the University of British Columbia.
*Note: Due to the nature and duration of the project, priority will be given to candidates who are able to join in 2024.
Experience:
Experience in conducting scientific research.
Experience in molecular biology (tissue culture, PCR, qPCR).
Experience in growing plants either in tissue culture, greenhouse or in a field.
Experience collecting plant tissue sampling for phenomics.
Experience in data analysis and preparing scientific publications or presentations.
*In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through the studies, work experience, or volunteer activities.
English essential
Information on language requirements
Knowledge:
Knowledge of experimental design and statistics.
Knowledge of theories and techniques of molecular biology, plant science, bioinformatics, genomics and other relevant areas in agriculture.
Competencies:
Interactive Communication
Initiative
Planning and Organizing
Abilities:
Ability to plan, design and conduct scientific research.
Ability to conduct basic data analysis, statistical analysis and summarize results.
Ability to communicate well orally (presentations, seminars)
Ability to prepare reports, thesis and manuscripts for peer review in scientific journals (expected that graduate students will publish approximately 2 manuscripts in reputed scientific journals)
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
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.