Master student

Job Responsibility: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Science and Technology Branch Swift Current (Saskatchewan) The projected start date is September 3, 2024 with an end date of December 30, 2026 (or depending on the candidate's availability or needs). It is expected that the student will work 22.5 hours per week with the possibility of part-time extension. $24.62 to $30.99 per hour (varies as per 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: 12 July 2024 - 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

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

A Research Assistant is required to work under Soil Carbon (C) Cycling/Agronomy research program at the Swift Current Research and Development Centre. The student will determine the shoot:root ratio and drought tolerance of three chickpea cultivars and explore new cultivars' residue C and N inputs to SOC and soil N using Superscript for 13C and 15N isotope labelling approaches under greenhouse and lab conditions. The successful candidate will conduct the research at AAFC in Swift Current and at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, SK and participate in the experiment design. The successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with researchers with different fields in Plant Breeding, Soil Science, Agronomy, Pulse Pathology and Weed Science.

Work environment

The successful candidate will conduct the research at Swift Current Research and Development Centre (Swift Current RDC), SK and the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, SK. The student will take courses for the first semester at University of Saskatchewan prior the lab work at Swift Current RDC. The Swift Current RDC was established in 1920 and it is one of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC) network of 20 research and development centers. Swift Current RDC focuses on developing varieties of spring wheat and durum; agronomic research into pulses and specialty crops; environmentally-sustainable production practices; and improved nutrition for pasture-fed beef. The lab incubation work and labelling experiments under greenhouse condition will be conducted at Swift Current RDC with the supervision of research scientist and help of research technician after course work. We will help with protocol development, experiment design and provide necessary help to ensure research activities. In addition, we have the opportunity to coordinate the lab work at both locations if it is very necessary. 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

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Education: Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by the date of appointment in a Master's program in a recognized post-secondary institution with a specialization in Plant Science, Soil Science, Environmental Science or any related field. 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 start date and the student must be returning to full-time studies for your next academic term. The student must meet the eligibility requirement to enroll at the University of Saskatchewan.

• Note: Due to nature and duration of the project, the candidate must be able to join in September 2024 or January 2025 at the latest.

Degree equivalency

Experience: Experience* in conducting lab or field studies in relation to environmental science, soil science and plant science or any related field. Experience* in chemistry lab or in collection and processing soil and plant samples.

• 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 soil science and crop production. Knowledge of plant and soil sampling or isotopic labelling approaches.

Competencies: Adaptability Interactive communication Planning and organizing Teamwork

Abilities: Ability to make observations and collect data. Ability to prepare reports and manuscripts for publication in reputed scientific journals. Ability to effectively communicate in writing and orally.

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

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

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

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 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

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.