Msc Student- Food

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Science and Technology Branch
Agassiz (British Columbia)
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: 8 November 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**:
The student will work on a project that aims to characterize multi-drug resistant Enterococcus spp. and develop a new tool for rapid detection of zoonotic pathogens. Specific duties may include:

- Collection of biological samples (manure and milk) from commercial dairy farms in the Fraser Valley.
- Preparation of microbiological culture media and reagents.
- Isolation and identification of bacteria such as Enterococcus and other Enterobacteriaceae
- Characterization of bacterial isolates phenotypically by conducting antimicrobial susceptibility testing and genotypically using Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS).
- Bioinformatic analysis of WGS data.
- Preparation of reports and manuscripts for publication.
- other duties related to those above.

**Work environment**:
The Food Microbiomics program at the Agassiz Research & Development Centre was established in 2020 and is led by Dr. Rhiannon Wallace. Her research focuses on controlling foodborne pathogens and understanding the transmission of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) between communities along the farm-fork-clinic continuum. The Agassiz Research and Development Centre is one of 20 research centres in Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s national network. The 310 hectare research facility is located in the eastern end of the highly productive Fraser Valley in the town of Agassiz. Under the supervision of Dr. Wallace, the student will work closely with a full-time Food Microbiology Research Technician at the Agassiz Research & Development Centre in a Containment Level 2 Microbiology Laboratory. The student will be working with human pathogens, so they must be willing to complete additional training and adhere to biosafety protocols. The student may also have opportunities to train, mentor and supervise undergraduate students. Work in the field, the laboratory, and at the computer can be expected.

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

Currently enrolled or willing to enroll in a MSc program at the University of British Columbia, specializing in Food Science, Food Safety, Microbiology or a related field.

Note: If the successful applicant is not currently enrolled in the MSc program, they must enroll by the date of appointment.

Degree equivalency

Experience in conducting scientific research.
Experience in basic microbiological and molecular biological techniques.
- In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through the 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 experimental design and statistics.
Knowledge of microbiology.
Knowledge of molecular biology.

Competencies:
Initiative
Adaptability
Independence

Abilities:
Ability to plan, design and conduct scientific research.
Ability to conduct basic data analysis, statistical analysis and summarize results.
Ability to communicate well orally and in writing.

**The following may be applie