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Reference number
AGR25J-170607-000124
Selection process number
25-AGR-RAP-54
Location
Saskatoon (Saskatchewan)
Employment tenure
The projected start date is April 1, 2026 with an end date of March 31, 2027 (or depending on the candidate's availability or needs). It is expected that the student will work 18.5 hours per week with the possibility of part-time extension.
Salary
$25.17 to $31.69 per hour
- Varies as per the level of education and experience.
Who can apply
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.
On this page
About the position
DutiesThe candidate will design and perform biochemical and/or molecular biology research in support of a master’s degree in the field of plant sciences or food sciences. The project will involve the characterization of lipoxygenase enzyme activity in chickpeas and assessments of lipid oxidation during the chickpea soaking process. The candidate will collaborate with analytical scientists to quantify lipid oxidation and rancid volatile production in roasted chickpeas. The project will involve working with local companies and academic collaborators to generate strategies to overcome the detrimental effect of lipid oxidation on the quality and shelf-life of roasted chickpea products.
Perform wet-lab biochemistry and molecular biology experiments.
Assist in sample lipid and volatile analysis by GC-MS, and LC-MS
Maintain thorough records of experiments and data analysis.
Assist in creation of publications.
Assist in the dissemination of data via presentation to collaborators and conference presentations.
Work environment
The applicant will perform research experiments in a molecular biology/biochemistry laboratory of Dr. O`Leary at the Saskatoon Research and Development Centre. The O’Leary lab focuses on biochemical, nutritional and physiological qualities of seeds from prairie crops like pulses, canola and wheat.
Positions to be filled
1
Important messages
As part of its priority to advance reconciliation and renew Canada’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples, AAFC is committed to hiring more Indigenous Peoples into their workforce. Better representation within the public service of Canada’s fastest-growing demographic group will lead to more innovative and inclusive solutions to today’s complex challenges. Ultimately, this will improve government services for Canadians. Indigenous peoples are therefore encouraged to apply to this process and self-identify.
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.
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.
Learn more about applying for Government of Canada jobs.
You need (essential for the job)
Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following
Education:
Currently enrolled, or will be enrolled by the date of the appointment, in a master's program at the University of Saskatchewan with a specialization in
• Plant Sciences
• Food Sciences or,
• Biological Sciences
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 the student must be returning to full-time studies for your next academic term.
Learn more about degree equivalency.
Experience:
• Experience working in a lab setting
Note: In the context of student recruitment in the federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through studies, work experience or volunteer activities.
Applied / assessed at a later date
Knowledge:
• Basic knowledge of biochemistry, metabolism and enzyme function.
• Basic knowledge of data analysis
Competencies:
• Must be self-motivated
• Must be enthusiastic about scientific research
• Must possess time management and project management skills
Abilities:
• Ability to perform biochemical experiments following a protocol and with instructions.
• Ability to understand and implement basic scientific experimental design
• Ability to report findings in a scientific manner
• Ability to research and understand scientific literature.
Language requirements (essential for the job)
Applied / assessed at a later date
English essential - You are entitled to participate in the selection process in the official language of your choice.
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.
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.
Learn more about employment equity.
Preference
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.
How to apply
Learn more about applying for Government of Canada jobs.
Information you must provide
- Your résumé
- A cover letter - To explain interest in job and qualifications for the job
- 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.
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