Masters in Food Science and Technology - Research Affiliate Program

Important messages

We are 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 use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Assessment accommodation

AAFC is committed to diversity and inclusion and is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s best diversity employers. We welcome all applicants and strongly encourage candidates to self-declare if they belong to an Employment Equity designated group (i.e. Aboriginal Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, Visible Minorities, or Women).

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice. Applicants are asked to indicate their preferred official language in their application.

Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required. Candidates who apply to this selection process should include an email address that accepts emails from unknown users (some email systems block these types of emails).

Duties

Project title: Understanding technological levers for defect prevention in cheddar cheese

The problem you will address: Defects in cheese during ripening can be difficult to identify, resulting in economic and food losses. With a view to reducing food losses and waste and to supporting a more sustainable economy, a better understanding of the technological levers of cheese ripening would improve control over the more efficient production of Cheddar-type cheeses. YOUR MISSION: Identify quality indicators for accelerated ripening Cheddar-type cheeses through physical-chemical and microbiological analyses. A better understanding of these technological levers will enable Canadian dairy manufacturers to produce quality cheese with optimized resources.

Come and gain experience in cheese production in a pilot plant with our master cheesemaker, while consolidating your expertise in food science and your knowledge of microbiological and physical-chemical analyses.

Are you motivated, autonomous, meticulous and do you enjoy working as part of a team in a laboratory and pilot plant?

Then apply! We need you! We hope to see you soon!

Work environment

The St-Hyacinthe Research and Development Centre (RDC) is one of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s 20 research sites. Its mission is to advance knowledge of food quality, safety and processing through basic and applied research, while supporting transfer to industry. Over 100 people work here (manufacturers, researchers, research assistants, graduate students and interns).

The candidate will take part in dairy processing research under the co-supervision of research scientist Dr. Marie-Claude Gentès and Dr. Steve Labrie, professor at the University of Laval in Quebec.

You will join a dynamic team of one research scientist and three research affiliates. Respect and mutual support are important to them. Our laboratory has all the analytical equipment, and material and human resources you need to successfully complete your Masters.


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

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

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Education*

The person is currently registered or will be registered by the date of appointment in a Masters program at a recognized post-secondary institution with a specialization in food science and technology.

Note: Must currently have full-time student status in the academic institution in which you are currently registered, pending approval of acceptance or in the process of submitting your application. Proof of registration will be required prior to start date, and the student must be returning to full-time studies for the next academic term.
*The student must meet the eligibility criteria to register at University Laval in Quebec.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience* in basic microbiological techniques.
Experience* in basic physical chemistry techniques.
Experience* in laboratory work.
Experience* in preparing reports and manuscripts for publication.

*In the context of student recruitment in the federal public service, experience can be acquired through studies, work experience or volunteer activities.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English or French

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
Basic knowledge of microbiology.
Knowledge of dairy processing.
Knowledge of statistical techniques.
Knowledge of data processing tools.

Competencies:
Interactive communication
Work organization and time management
Adaptability
Initiative
Teamwork

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

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.

Information on employment equity

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.

Willingness and ability to work flexible hours.
Willingness and ability to work in laboratory or a pilot plant.
Onsite work is mandatory.
Willingness and ability to stay standing for several hours at a time.

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. You must apply online through https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/opportunities/government.html.

Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying online are asked to contact the email referenced below under “Contact Information.”

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.

Preference

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Contact information

Apply online