About the position
Duties
- Collection, logging, transport and processing of biological samples;
- Design of novel molecular biology assays targeting bacterial pathogens, antibiotic resistance genes, and mobile genetic elements important in livestock production;
- Molecular and microbiology duties include, but are not limited to, DNA extraction, media preparation, protein extraction, protein purification, bacterial culture;
- Calibration of laboratory equipment;
- Data entry and initial analysis; record maintenance.
Work environmentThe Lethbridge Research & Development Centre (LeRDC) is one of the largest within Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's national network. The Centre has 46 Research Scientists plus support staff. Research is grouped in the areas of environmental health, bioproducts and bioprocesses, sustainable production systems and food safety and nutrition. LeRDC has excellent laboratory and farm facilities, including a research feedlot.
Our research team examines Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in livestock from a One Health Perspective
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
Intent of the process
We are seeking a highly motivated MSc student from the University of Lethbridge to join a multidisciplinary research program focused on understanding how mobile genetic elements (MGEs), including plasmids and integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs), contribute to the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) within Enterococcus species and between Enterococcus and other clinically important bacteria. This work will leverage our lab’s large collections of AMR-relevant Enterococcus isolates, spanning livestock, agricultural environments, wastewater, and human clinical sources. This individual will work at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre for the laboratory component of their program. This project is being conducted in collaboration with the University of Lethbridge.
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 the minimum age to work in the province or territory where the job is located.
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.
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 security screening process.
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 appointment in an MSC program at the University of Lethbridge Department of Biological Science, Lethbridge Alberta Canada with specialization in: Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or Animal Science.
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.
Learn more about degree equivalency.
Experience:
Experience with molecular biology techniques including but not limited to DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Experience collecting, logging, transporting and processing biological samples.
* In the context of student recruitment in the federal public service, experience can be acquired through studies, work experience and volunteer activities
Applied / assessed at a later date
Knowledge:
Knowledge of laboratory procedures and techniques related to microbiology and antibiotic resistance.
Knowledge of Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) protocols to investigate antimicrobial resistance.
Knowledge of handling and manipulating routine research experiments.
Competencies:
Planning and Organizing
Initiative
Teamwork
Interactive communication
Abilities:
Ability to operate and maintain a variety of laboratory and field equipment.
Ability to collect and perform analyses on biological materials including fecal, rumen, and nasal swabs.
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.
Selection may be limited to members of the following employment equity groups: Indigenous (Aboriginal) peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and women.
Learn more about employment equity.
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.