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Reference number
AGR25J-183034-000006
Selection process number
25-AGR-RAP-58
Location
Summerland (British Columbia)
Employment tenure
The projected start date is April 1st 2026 with an end date of December 22nd 2028 (or depending on the candidate's availability or needs). It is expected that the student will work 20 to 25 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 research areas of the MSc student include microbiome characterization of spoilage bacteria, predominantly Pseudomonads, in various food processing facilities, characterization of Pseudomonas biofilm formation and investigation of Pseudomonas biofilms using novel inactivation techniques. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
- conducting sampling in food processing facilities
- bacteriological maintenance, enumeration and challenge studies
- bacteriophage propagation and inactivation
- processing and analysis of microbiological data
- amplicon/whole genome preparation for sequencing and analysis
- preparation of microbiological culture media and reagents
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 food microbiology program at the Summerland Research & Development Centre is led by Dr. Karen Fong and conducts research to ensure the safety and security of the Canadian food supply. The Summerland Research & Development Centre is one of 20 research centres in Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada’s national network. Established in 1914, it is in the heart of the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. Under the supervision of Dr. Fong, the student is expected to perform independent research in the Food Microbiology laboratories, one of which is a containment-level II laboratory that they will work from. The student will also have opportunities to work with other graduate and undergraduate students. Work in the field, the laboratory and at the computer is to be expected.
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.
Operational Requirements
-Ability and willingness to work in a containment-level II laboratory
-Ability and willingness to work flexible hours.
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 a recognized postsecondary institution with a specialization in
• Microbiology
• Food Science
• Environmental 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 the student must be returning to full-time studies for your next academic term
Learn more about degree equivalency.
Experience:
- Experience in conducting scientific research.
- Experience in basic microbiological technique.
- Experience in data analyses.
*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 of the theories and techniques of microbiology and molecular biology
- Knowledge of experimental design and statistics.
- Knowledge of microbiology principles as they relate to food spoilage and food safety
Competencies:
- Initiative
- Persistence
- Adaptability
- Planning & organization
- Interpersonal skills.
Abilities:
- Ability to plan, design and conduct scientific research projects
- Ability to accurately collect, record and analyze data and summarize results
- Ability to communicate well orally (such as in presentations and seminars), and in writing
- Ability to prepare reports, thesis and manuscripts for scientific journals
- Ability to work independently
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
- Contact information for 1 reference
- 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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