Research Assistant – Master’s in plant root pathology - Research Affiliate Program

Duties
This project aims to improve pest monitoring by developing a network of spore traps combined with high-throughput sequencing (HTS) using Nanopore technology. It adopts a biovigilance approach to detect and anticipate the presence of airborne plant pathogens in order to promote and support the productivity of agricultural production.The master's student's work will focus on studying the impact of farming practices on the composition of air metacommunities.1. Conditioning soil samples and performing DNA extractions;
2. Prepare libraries for sequencing on Promethion (Metabarcoding and Metagenomics Shotgun)
3. Analyze sequencing data (bio-informatics)
4. Participate in fieldwork

Work environment
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu R&D Centre, 430 boul. Gouin, St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, J3B 3E6.The student will work mainly in the laboratory of Dr. Hervé Van Der Heyden (Phytopathology of Root Diseases) at the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Research and Development Centre in collaboration with university researchers.The day-to-day work will take place in an AAFC research center in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu in a professional and relaxed atmosphere. The work will be carried out alone or in teams in close collaboration with the research assistants in plant pathology and molecular biology, in the laboratory, in the greenhouse, and in the field. Training on laboratory safety experimental and molecular techniques will be provided.AAFC is committed to diversity and inclusion. We have several networks dedicated to continuing to increase inclusion, accessibility, respect, and diversity within the Department. All employees are invited to join the networks and participate in the activities and events organized by them.• Gender and Sexual Inclusivity and Diversity Network
• Indigenous Employee Networking Circle
• Managers' community
• Disability Network
• Trainee and Student Orientation, Unit and Outreach Program
• Visible Minorities Network
• Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network
• Young Professionals Network

Positions to be filled
1

Important messages
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.

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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.

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Education:
Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by the date of nomination in a Master's program at a recognized post-secondary educational institution with a specialization in biology, microbiology, biotechnology, or any other discipline relevant to the field of study. Note: The applicant must currently hold full-time student status at the educational institution attended or be in the process of being accepted or applying. Proof of enrolment will be required prior to the start date, and the student must return to full-time studies the following term.

Experience:
Research experience* in plant pathology and microbiology.
Experience* with molecular biology techniques.
Experience* in laboratory, greenhouse, or field trials. *For student recruitment to the federal public service, experience may be acquired through studies, work experience, or volunteer activities.

Knowledge:
Knowledge of theories and principles of microbiology or biology.

Competencies:
Initiative
Autonomy
Interpersonal skills

Abilities:
Ability to collect samples in the field.
Ability to use molecular biology tools
Ability to summarize and communicate scientific information orally and in writing.

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Applied / assessed at a later date

French essential - You are entitled to participate in the selection process in the official language of your choice.

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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.

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Preference will be given to veterans first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

Learn more about preference to veterans.

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