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Reference number
AGR25J-183034-000004
Selection process number
25-AGR-RAP-55
Location
Morden (Manitoba)
Employment tenure
The projected start date is April 1st, 2026 with an end date of March 31st, 2028 (or depending on the candidate's availability or needs). It is expected that the student will work 16 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
Duties
The successful applicant will work on AAFC’s project focused on improving wheat pollen stability and thermotolerance to heat stress using metabolomics approach to understand and enhance pollen thermotolerance under changing environmental conditions. The research will examine the effects of heat stress on pollen metabolites across various wheat varieties. The student will collect wheat pollen samples from field plots, greenhouses, and growth chambers, develop metabolite analysis methods, and conduct sample analysis using metabolomics approach to evaluate role of key metabolites in pollen fitness under heat stress. The student will also gather physiological and environmental data to support correlations, follow good laboratory practices to ensure data quality, and analyze results with appropriate statistical tests. The student will review scientific literature and interpret results within the context of their own research, and contribute to scientific reports and publications. The student will present their findings in written and oral format at scientific conferences. The student will complete this research as part of their MSc thesis at University of Manitoba.
Work environment
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
The Morden Research and Development Centre in Morden, Manitoba, is a Canadian government research facility that includes modern laboratory and office complex, research and testing fields, greenhouses, and growth chambers, and supports approximately 80 full-time staff. The research centre conducts research in cereals, pulses, and oil seed crop pathology using various fields of science including metabolomics, proteomics, genomics, and bioinformatics. Analytical and Mycotoxin research program headed by Dr. Srinivas Sura is known for secondary metabolite and mycotoxin research that offers laboratory with advanced analytical tools including high performance liquid chromatography, high resolution mass spectrometry, immunochemistry, and others. The research program generates new scientific knowledge and data to improve the productivity and sustainability of Canadian cereal crops and Canadian agriculture.
The position is a lab-based position, with 90% of work in lab and 10% work in field mainly to collect pollen samples. The successful student will work semi-independently in a research environment and will interact with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds; e.g., students, research technicians, research scientists.
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.
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:
Candidate must be enrolled now, or will be enrolled by the date of the appointment, in a master's program at the University of Manitoba in Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science.
Candidate must enroll in an academic program that requires research as part of the curriculum.
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.
Learn more about degree equivalency.
Experience:
- Experience analyzing organic molecules using high performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, or other analytical tools.
- Experience working in a laboratory
- Experience writing articles or essays
- Experience following a research protocol, making observations, and collecting data.
*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:
Knowledge in plant biology and biochemistry.
Knowledge of plant growth and development, and crop physiology.
Knowledge on analytical chemistry, HPLC, and mass spectrometry.
Competencies:
Planning and organization skills
Interactive Communication
Initiative
Self-motivation
Attention to details
Team Work
Abilities:
Ability to perform scientific data analysis and interpret the results.
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. AAFC 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.
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 - Explain how your previous experience and your current goals are suited for this position.
- 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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