Graduate Student (MSc) - 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

- Isolation of fungal endophytes and fungal pathogens from grapevines and other hosts.
- Identification, characterization and quantification of fungal pathogens by means of morphological and molecular studies.
- Establish and maintain plants in both greenhouses and experimental vineyard
- Conduct experiments under guidance and supervision of the PI to determine the effects that abiotic stress factors have on grapevine trunk disease symptoms development.
- Develop and implement molecular assays for detection and quantification of fungal pathogens in plants.
- Conduct experiments to study host (grapes) – pathogen (grapevine trunk diseases) interactions under controlled conditions.
- Carefully collect and compile data; conduct appropriate statistical analyses; prepare reports, presentations, and scientific papers.

Work environment

The Summerland Research and Development Centre (SuRDC) is part of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) national network of 19 research centers. AAFC provides information, research and technology, and policies and programs to achieve security of the food system, health of the environment and innovation for growth. This is a collaborative project between AAFC and the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO). Time will be divided between coursework, writing, and participation in educational activities at UBCO and research that will be conducted largely at SuRDC. Research at SuRDC will be conducted in the laboratory, greenhouses and experimental vineyard.


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.

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

Education:
Candidate must be currently enrolled, or willing to enroll by the date of the appointment, in a master's program in the Department of Biology at the Okanagan campus of the University of British Columbia in Kelowna, BC.

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.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
- Experience in proper handling of basic laboratory equipment (pipetting, microscopes, balance,…)
- Experience in identification and management of plant diseases
- Experience conducting field and/or greenhouse work
- Experience handling and maintaining plants in field and/or greenhouse
- Experience analyzing and compiling data sets using standard software programs such as excel
- Experience communicating / presenting science-based results

Note: In the context of student recruitment in the federal Public Service, the 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 essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
Knowledge of integrated pest management
Knowledge of molecular detection techniques included but not limited to PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis,…
Knowledge of mycology, bacteriology and/or microbiology
Knowledge of statistics and data management

Competencies:
Planning and organizing
Teamwork
Problem Solving
Adaptability
Initiative

Abilities:
Ability to conduct laboratory, greenhouse and field experiments and operate basic lab equipment, including centrifuges, dissecting microscopes, biosafety cabinet,..
Ability to maintain diseased and healthy grapevines under greenhouse conditions.

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.

Ability and willingness to work at UBCO and at AAFC SuRDC.
Ability and willingness to work outdoors in commercial vineyards during hot summer weather and cool and possibly inclement fall weather.
Ability and willingness to work in the laboratory for extended periods, including overtime when necessary.
Valid unrestricted drivers’ license and willingness to travel; completion of the AAFC Defensive Driving course within one month of employment.
Ability and willingness to work with microorganisms (fungi) in the laboratory and conduct work in greenhouse and field settings in variable weather condition and terrains.

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