Research assistant (MSc or PhD) - Plant virus epidemiology - Research Affiliate Program

Duties
Field sample collections.
Processing of samples in the laboratory.
Data analysis.
Manuscript writing.

Work environment
The project will be carried out at the Research and Development Center in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, located at 430 boul. Gouin, St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, J3B 3E6. The candidate will pursue their graduate studies under the joint supervision of a partnering university professor (University of Sherbrooke, University of Montreal).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
Who can apply?Are you looking for an excellent opportunity to pursue a master's or a Ph.D. in a field of the future with intellectually vibrant research topics?
Do you want to be involved in the discovery of sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides?
Are you curious about what RNAi is and how they can contribute to the sustainable agriculture of tomorrow?
Are you interested in exploring the impact of viruses on plants?
Do you want to know more about the viral biodiversity in soil?
Are you eager to understand the impact of viruses in soil and plants functioning?
Would you like to enhance your skills in molecular biology and join a cutting-edge research team?
Or are you simply a science enthusiast looking to be part of the solutions for food security and the protection of our agroecosystems?Come and join a dynamic team to work on:
1. The use of viruses as carriers to deliver RNAs into plants to control viral infections and expressions.
2. The use of viruses to control fungal pathogens.
3. The influence of root exudates on the activity and assembly of viral communities in the soil.
4. The involvement of viruses in carbon sequestration and nitrogen recycling processes in the soil.
5. Morphological and functional characterization of unknown viruses in mineral and organic soil.
6. Exploring the “dark virome” (uncharacterized virome) through bioinformatics: developing tools to discover beneficial viruses.We are seeking 2 passionate candidates to work on one of the following innovative projects:TOPIC 1: Advancing Mycovirus Biocontrol: Overcoming Deployment and Formulation Challenges
Objective: Develop innovative biofungicides based on mycoviruses to control major fungal pathogens (e.g., Botrytis).
• Characterize the host range of two novel extracellular mycoviruses.
• Optimize formulation and field application methods for stability and infectivity.
• Integrate metabolomics to decipher the mechanisms behind fungal hypovirulence.TOPIC 2: Bioinformatics & Bacteriophages: Predictive Pipeline for Agriculture and Food Safety
Objective: Develop a cutting-edge integrated bioinformatics pipeline to discover, rank, and validate beneficial bacteriophages from soil viromes.
• Analyze large-scale metagenomic and viromic datasets (dark virome).
• Utilize machine learning algorithms (e.g., iPHoP, PhagesAI) to predict phage-host interactions.
• Build an integrated pipeline targeting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and plant disease control.

Positions to be filled
2

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.

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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.

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Education:
Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by the date of appointment in a Master’s or Ph.D. program at a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in: molecular biology, virology, plant pathology, microbiology, biotechnology, genetics, or any other discipline relevant to the field of study.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.

Competencies:
Motivation to learn and progress.
Creativity and innovation.
Attention to detail.

Abilities:
Ability to collect samples in the fields.
Ability to process samples in the laboratory.
Ability to analyze nanopore sequencing data.
Ability to write manuscripts.

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Applied / assessed at a later date

English or French - You are entitled to participate in the selection process in the official language of your choice.

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Selection may be limited to members of the following employment equity groups: Indigenous (Aboriginal) peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and women.

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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.

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