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).
This position is focused on understanding how cover crops’ roots contribute to belowground soil organic matter formation and the microbial mechanisms for root-associated soil carbon stabilization. The student will work within the UPA Laboratoire vivant - Racines d'avenir, which works directly with Quebecois producers to, propose, test, understand and integrate beneficial management practices. Through both field and lab work, we will use a combination molecular microbial ecology (including metagenomic and amplicon sequencing) and functional assays (e.g., microbial growth, enzyme assays), to examine microbial responses associated with soil organic matter cycling, nutrients, and integration of cover crops to agricultural practices.
Successful candidates should have a strong interest in basic and applied soil microbial ecology, and in applying bioinformatic skills to hypothesis testing. The student will work with advisors to develop experimental protocols and generate data in both field and lab settings. Duties related to these activities could include planting research plots or greenhouse trials, collecting gas and soil samples both on experimental farms and on commercial farms, harvesting, processing samples, laboratory analyses, data entry, data analysis, and report generation. The candidate will collaborate with other graduate students and postdocs on the project. The student will be based at the AAFC lab and will spend time at McGill University or Laval University. There are several opportunities for farmer and stakeholder engagement.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) provides leadership in the growth and development of a competitive, innovative and sustainable Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector. In this context, the research carried out at the Quebec Research and Development Centre (RDC) aims to boost agricultural productivity and sustainability in a cold, humid climate and environmental performance through the development of field crop systems that incorporate perennial forage species. Quebec RDC activities are aligned with the “Forages and Beef” and “Agricultural Ecosystem Productivity and Health” sectors and aim primarily to increase agricultural productivity, improve environmental performance and combat value chain threats by reducing risks to agricultural production.
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 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
Education:
Currently enrolled or willing to enroll in a PhD program in a recognized post-secondary academic institution with specialization in a relevant field (e.g. soil science, microbiology, ecology, biology, etc.).
Experience:
Experience* in collecting samples (e.g. soil, plants) and analyzing them in a lab.
Experience* in entry and managing data spreadsheets in MS Excel or R as well as producing scientific tables and figures.
Experience in writing scientific report such as, but not limited to, peer-reviewed papers or research papers.
*In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through studies, work experience, or volunteer activities.
English or French
Information on language requirements
Knowledge:
Knowledge in microbial ecology or microbiology.
Knowledge in soil science.
Knowledge of biochemical cycles of carbon and nitrogen in agricultural systems.
Knowledge of theory and principles of statistical analysis in biological sciences.
Competencies:
Teamwork
Planning and organizing skills
Initiative
Problem solving
Abilities:
Ability to use statistical software.
Ability to summarize and communicate scientific information in oral and written form.
Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others.
Ability to troubleshoot experiments.
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:
Willing and able to work with hazardous materials in a laboratory.
Possession of a valid, class 5 Quebec driver’s license, or other provincial/territorial equivalency.
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.
Willing and able to work with appropriate safety precautions in place.
Willing and able to work outside in various meteorological conditions (humidity, temperature, wind and allergens).
Willing and able to work in laboratory or field environments.
Willing and able to travel for field work
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.