Job Description

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Science and Technology Branch


Kentville (Nova Scotia)


The projected start date is September 2, 2025 with an end date of March 31, 2026 (or depending on the candidate's availability or needs). It is expected that the student will work 20-25 hours per week with the possibility of part-time extension.


$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: 22 August 2025 - 23:59, Pacific Time

Who can apply:

Persons residing in Canada, Canadian citizens, and Permanent residents abroad.



To be considered for Research Affiliate Program (RAP) work opportunities, all candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria by the date of appointment:



Be recognized as having full-time student status at an accredited Canadian post-secondary academic institution (this includes students with a disability deemed to have full-time status). Individuals pending approval of acceptance or in the process of submitting applications are encouraged to apply, as proof of enrollment will only be required prior to the start date.


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.

Apply online

Important messages

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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

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In collaboration with the Small Fruit Germplasm Development team at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Kentville, NS (Dr. Beatrice Amyotte) and Dr. Zoe Migicovsky, Assistant Professor at Acadia University, Department of Biology (Wolfville, NS) the students will conduct research that integrate modern genomics, phenomics and computation predictive technologies into Canada's national berry breeding program.




The successful candidates will collect and analyze genome sequences and phenomic data for up to 500 diverse strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry plants from AAFC germplasm collections. They will gain skills and experience in computational biology techniques such as whole genome sequence alignment and variant calling, diversity analysis, genome wide association mapping, and trait prediction for fruit quality attributes and more. They will develop a high-throughput phenomics platform, applying techniques such as multi-spectral imaging, morphometrics and machine learning to develop predictive models for fruit shape, colour and size. Mentorship will be provided in scientific research, analysis and writing, with specialized training in computational biology and fruit phenomics data collection.



The students will be responsible to conduct literature reviews and design and implement their research projects in collaboration with the academic and AAFC supervisors. The specific objectives assigned to each student will be based on research need as well as the students' experience, knowledge, and interest. Each student will be responsible for executing the computational research and fruit phenomics data collection required for their project. The majority of work will be computational and can be conducted at KRDC, Acadia University, and/or remotely as approved by AAFC. The fruit phenomics data collection will be conducted in the laboratory at KRDC (Kentville Research and Development Centre). There may also be opportunities to conduct field work such as fruit harvest and sample collection on the KRDC farm depending on interest and willingness.




Each student's research project will be conducted over approximately a two-year period and will be analyzed and presented in a M.Sc. thesis, presentations, scientific events/meetings, outreach items, as well as peer-reviewed publications.

Work environment

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This is an exciting opportunity for students interested in berry genomics and phenomics.




Day-to-day work will primarily take place at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Kentville, NS and Acadia University, Department of Biology, Wolfville, NS. The Kentville Research and Development Centre (KRDC) is one of 20 research centres that make up AAFC's national research network. Located in Kentville, Nova Scotia, KRDC delivers an integrated program of agriculture and agri-food research and technology transfer along the innovation continuum, which includes germplasm development, sustainable and environmentally resilient primary production, postharvest handling and storage, and food attributes and safety. Research at KRDC supports the national horticultural sector through work on tree fruits, berry crops, wine grapes and vegetables.



These positions will include computer and lab work, with the occasional optional opportunity for field work. Part of the computer work may be conducted remotely. In addition, research will be accompanied by consultation with supervisors, colleagues and collaborators. Findings will be presented to supervisors in person or by video conference. Findings may also be presented at scientific conferences, workshops and industry events.



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:

2

Information you must provide

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Your resume.


A covering letter "In addition to a general introduction of themselves, applicants are asked to describe their experience with conducting, documenting, and reporting bioinformatics analysis. The project can be through academic studies, work experience or volunteer activities. Maximum 500 words for the entire cover letter."


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)

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Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by the date of appointment in a Master of Science (M.Sc.) program with a specialization in plant science or 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 the start date and must be returning to full-time studies for your next academic term. Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements to enroll at Acadia University.


Degree equivalency


Experience :

Experience in conducting, documenting, and reporting bioinformatics analysis.



In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through studies, work experience, or volunteer activities.
Knowledge :

Knowledge of plant genomics analysis methods.

Knowledge of plant phenomics analysis methods.


Competencies :

Planning and Organizing

Analytical Thinking

Initiative

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

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English essential


Information on language requirements

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

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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


Operational Requirements :

Ability and willingness to work on the computer for extended periods of time, up to a full work day with regular breaks provided.

Ability and willingness to conduct laboratory work.

Conditions of employment

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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

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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

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Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.