Master Student

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Science and Technology Branch
Morden (Manitoba)
$24.62 to $30.99 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 2024 - 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**:
Conducting routine molecular biology tasks (e.g. DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR).
Isolating fungal pathogens from infected plant samples.
Preparing and handling of microbial cultures.
Maintaining plant materials in a greenhouse.
Inoculating and phenotypic assessment of infected plant in greenhouse.
Characterizing plant pathogens using molecular and morphological techniques.
Performing routine laboratory maintenance.

**Work environment**:
There is an ongoing collaboration with Prof. Fouad Daayf at the University of Manitoba on Fusarium head blight of barley and oat. Therefore, the student is required to be enrolled as an MSc student at the University of Manitoba. The student will carry out coursework remotely (from Morden, MB) or spend one or more semesters at the University of Manitoba (depending on the university’s recommendations), and will conduct lab and greenhouse work at the Morden Research and Development Centre under the joint supervision of professor at the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Dr. Xiben Wang (Morden Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada).

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**:
Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by the date of appointment in a Master’s program at the University of Manitoba with specialization in: Biology, Plant pathology, Plant Science, Microbiology or a related field.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience in planning and executing research projects in a greenhouse and laboratory environment.
Experience in plant pathology.
- 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 theory and principles of Agriculture.
Knowledge of theory and principles of Plant Pathology.

Competencies:
Adaptability
Teamwork
Interactive communication
Initiative

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

Operational Requirements

Ability and willingness to travel to conferences and training courses.
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours.
Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment or medication and this must not impinge upon the duties to be performed.
Ability and willingness to work in laboratory and greenhouse environments.
Ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials.
Ability and willingness to work with chemicals and pesticides.

**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.