Job Description

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Science and Technology Branch


Ottawa (Ontario)


The projected start date is October 6, 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 hours per week.


$25.17 to $38.38 per hour (Master's: $25.17 to $31.69 Doctorate: $29.64 to $38.38. 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: 5 September 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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The candidate will be responsible for providing lab support for the isolation and characterization of fungal natural products and elucidating their role in plant/pathogen interactions. The candidate will be responsible for scaled up fermentations, solvent extraction of fermentations leading to the purification and structure elucidation of fungal natural products using tools such as preparative high pressure liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The candidate will be responsible for designing unique biological assays involving molecular biology to evaluate the effects of isolated natural products upon pathogen triggered plant immunity. Other tasks will include the preparation and handling of fungal cultures involving proper aseptic technique; the isolation and identification of fungal strains from biological substrates; and proper chemical waste management and routine laboratory maintenance. By the end of the research term, the candidate will be responsible for the preparation of a written report summarizing their results obtained during their work term. The candidate will be provided with on the job training in metabolomics data processing.

Work environment

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The worksite is situated on the fourth floor of the Neatby Bldg. on Carling Avenue at the Ottawa Research and Development Centre in Ottawa, Ontario. The student will need to physically work from this site. Work will be done in chemistry and microbiology labs working in the field of fungal natural products and plant pathogen research. The lab is a communal environment, where work will be carried out both alone and in teams and space may be shared between research groups.



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

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Your resume.


Contact information for 1 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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Education:

Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by the date of appointment in a Master's or PhD program in a recognized post-secondary academic institution with specialization in: Biochemistry, Chemistry, or Bio-molecular Sciences.



Note: Must be currently recognized as having full-time student status in the academic institution in which you are presently enrolled and must be returning to full-time studies for your next academic term.


Degree equivalency


Experience:

Experiencein the preparation and handling of fungal cultures and fermentations involving proper aseptic technique.
Experiencein the isolation and molecular identification of fungi from biological substrates.
Experiencein carrying out bioassays to evaluate natural products.
Experiencein the purification of natural products derived from fungal culture extracts.
Experiencein the structure elucidation of natural products using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS) data.


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)

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English essential


Information on language requirements


Knowledge:

Knowledge of preparative chemistry techniques for the purification of natural products.


Knowledge of theory and principles of mass spectrometry and the interpretation of mass spectrometry data.


Knowledge of fungal plant pathogens and fungal/pathogen interactions.


Competencies:

Problem Solving.


Abilities:

Ability to work in a team to deliver on work objectives.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

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

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.


As a condition of employment, successful candidates will need to be able and willing to:


Work in a laboratory environment for extended periods of time and under normal safety precautions; Work with chemicals and other hazardous materials with the appropriate personal protective equipment; Control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication without impinging on the duties to be performed.

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.