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Ph.D. Student (Research Assistant) in plant pathology
Original government version here
Closing: 2026-05-27

Ph.D. Student (Research Assistant) in plant pathology - Research Affiliate Program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Science and Technology Branch

Closing date: May 27, 2026 - 23:59, Pacific Time

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Reference number
AGR26J-092396-000009
Selection process number
26-AGR-RAP-21
Location
Morden (Manitoba)
Employment tenure
The projected start date is September 1, 2026 with an end date of September 2, 2030 (or depending on the candidate's availability or needs). It is expected that the student will work 15-25 hours per week with the possibility of part-time extension.
Salary
$29.64 to $38.38 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.
Organization information
For further information on the organization, please visit Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

On this page

About the position

Duties
• Conduct routine molecular biology procedures (e.g., DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, and quantitative PCR [qPCR])
• Isolate fungal pathogens from infected plant samples using standard microbiological techniques
• Prepare, maintain, and handle microbial cultures under sterile laboratory conditions
• Maintain and monitor plant materials in greenhouse facilities
• Perform pathogen inoculation and conduct phenotypic assessments of disease development in greenhouse experiments
• Characterize plant pathogens using molecular and morphological identification methods
• Perform routine laboratory maintenance, including equipment calibration, media preparation, and inventory management
• Conduct basic bioinformatics and data analysis related to pathogen characterization and population studies
Work environment
The candidate will be required to enroll as a graduate student at the University of Manitoba. Coursework may be completed remotely from Morden, Manitoba, or the candidate may spend one or more semesters on campus at the University of Manitoba, depending on program requirements and university recommendations. The candidate will conduct laboratory and greenhouse research at the Morden Research and Development Centre (MRDC), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, under the joint supervision of a professor from the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba, and Dr. Xiben Wang, Research Scientist at the Morden Research and Development Centre.
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
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 doctorate program at the University of Manitoba with a specialization in
• Plant pathology
• Microbiology
• Plant 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 planning and executing research projects in a greenhouse and laboratory environment.
• Experience* in research projects related to plant pathology
*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 theory and principles of Molecular Biology.
• Knowledge of theory and principles of Plant Pathology.
• Knowledge of agriculture production in Canada
Competencies:
• Adaptability
• Teamwork
• Interactive communications
• Initiative

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, followed by Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of jobs located in Nunavut or Yukon. For positions located in Nunavut, qualified Inuit enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement will be appointed first. For positions located in Yukon, qualified Yukon First Nations will be appointed first, followed by qualified Indigenous persons.

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 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.

Hiring organization contact

Name: RAP Team – Research Affiliate Program
Email address: 
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