M.Sc. position: Studying and optimizing RNA-based antiviral strategies - 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

Viruses remain one of the major threats to the grapevine industry in Canada. The current treatment method for a virus-infected plant in the field is removing the whole plant, which has a substantial adverse economic impact. In parallel, viral disease spread in the field is restricted by using pesticides to manage insects that transmit these viruses. In the current wake of climate change, there is a need for alternatives to pesticides. Therefore, it is necessary to explore, develop, and evaluate new antiviral strategies that can act as biopesticides. Recently, novel technologies such as RNAi and CRISPR have proven effective against many plant viruses. However, several challenges remain to be addressed, such as efficient delivery of the antivirals to the plants. This research project aims to evaluate new RNA-based therapies against economically important grapevine viral diseases in Canada with the long-term aim of developing RNA-based vaccines for plants or new in-field crop treatment approaches.

The candidate will use techniques used in genomics, molecular plant biology, plant tissue culture, to study and develop new RNA-based antivirals for plants.

Work environment

The Summerland Research and Development Center (SuRDC) of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and the Sidney Laboratory-Centre for Plant Health (CPH) of Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) are at the forefront of research in small fruit crops, fruit trees, and grapevines for crop improvement and protection. SuRDC has driven research in several areas, including but not limited to developing improved crop varieties, improving the understanding of economically important pathogens, and developing new tools for crop protection. CPH is Canada's only post-entry quarantine (PEQ), research and diagnostic facility for virus testing of all fruit-bearing trees, grapevines, and small fruit (e.g., berries). It‘s primary research focus is to protect horticultural crops from foreign viral and viral-like disease threats. The laboratory is re-locating to a state-of-the-art research facility.

To foster collaboration between CFIA and AAFC, our laboratory (Molecular Plant Virology laboratory - Ghoshal Lab) has been housed in both centers. Our lab studies viruses that infect small fruit crops (e.g., Blueberries), fruit trees (e.g., cherries), and grapevines to develop diagnostics tools, antiviral strategies for crop treatments, and improved varieties of crops in the wake of climate change. We use genetics, genomics, biochemistry, bioinformatics, and computational tools. A M.Sc. position is available to study and optimize RNA-based antiviral therapy for viruses infecting grapevines under the supervision of Dr. Basudev Ghoshal.

Highly motivated independent students interested in working at the interface of foundational and applied science to develop plant vaccines or crop treatment approaches that have an impact on Canadian Agriculture are strongly encouraged to apply.

Our lab strongly believes in inclusivity, diversity, and equity. We believe in taking ownership of our actions and respecting others through verbal and non-verbal actions.


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.

A covering letter "Cover letter explaining motivation for applying to this position, long term goals, and explain how the candidate is the best fit 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

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

Education:
Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by the date of appointment in a Master’s program in a recognized post-secondary institution with a specialization in Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, Genetics or Plant Biology.

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.
The student must meet the eligibility criteria to enroll at the University of Victoria or University of British Columbia.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience* in conducting plant tissue culture research.
Experience* in molecular biology.

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

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
Knowledge of plant tissue culture
Knowledge of biochemistry
Knowledge of Next generation sequencing techniques.

Competencies:
Growth mindset.
Adaptability.
Teamwork.
Written communication.

Abilities:
Ability to prioritize, plan and carry out laboratory procedures independently.
Ability to collect and record data accurately.
Ability to interpret and analyze results.

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.

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