Student Research Assistant- Intercropping Hazelnut and Fruits with Crops

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Science and Technology Branch
Indian Head (Saskatchewan)
$25.17 to $31.69 per hour (Varies as per the level of education and experience.)
For further information on the organization, please visit Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

For further information on the Research Affiliate Program (RAP), please visit Research Affiliate Program (RAP)

**Closing date: 16 October 2025 - 23:59, Pacific Time**

**Who can apply**: Persons residing in Canada, Canadian citizens, and Permanent residents abroad.
- 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.

**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

**Duties**:

- Execute laboratory and field research activities related to the project.
- Evaluate hazelnut accessions and other shrub intercrops through phenotypic assessments and propagation studies, including tissue culture and vegetative propagation techniques.
- Maintain accurate records of data, perform statistical analysis.
- Summarize and interpret results in the scientific manuscript(s) format to be published in a recognized peer-reviewed journal(s).
- Write research reports and present the findings at workshops, conferences, or other scientific meetings.

**Work environment**:
The research project will be conducted in collaboration with the University of Saskatchewan (Plant Sciences Department) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Indian Head Research Farm, Saskatchewan. Activities will include evaluation of advanced hazelnut selections for potential commercial release and development of propagation protocols for hazelnut and other shrub intercrops such as silver buffaloberry and Saskatoon berry. The work will involve analysis of existing data on promising hazelnut accessions, as well as collection of new phenotypic and whole-plant evaluation data at the USask Horticulture Field Laboratory and AAFC research sites. Traits to be assessed will include nut yield and quality, shrub architecture, oil content, and adaptability for mechanical harvesting. Propagation research will focus on vegetative and tissue culture approaches to establish efficient protocols for large-scale production. Collaboration with university researchers and commercial partners will provide access to germplasm, propagation expertise, and protocols to guide the development of intercropping systems with shrub species of high agroecosystems potential.

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

Education:

- Agriculture, or
- Horticulture, or
- Plant Sciences

Degree equivalency

**Experience**:
Experience* in agriculture, horticulture, or plant science based laboratory or field research activities
Experience* in conducting literature review, preparing written reports, and presentations.

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 agriculture, horticulture, or plant sciences research tools or techniques;
Knowledge of basic data analyses using statistical packages in SAS or ‘R’;
Competencies:
Interactive communication
Initiative
Adaptability
Teamwork

Abilities:
Ability to conduct field and laboratory research.

**The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)**:
Information on employment equity

**Conditions of employment**:
Reliability Status security clearance - Each student hired through the Research Affiliate Program (RAP) must meet the security requirem