Apiculture Ph.D. Student

Employment and Social Development Canada; Alberta; On-site; CAD 41,000 - 53,000; Part time

Job summary

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Science and Technology Branch invites applications for an Apiculture Ph.D. Student in the Research Affiliate Program. The role runs Sep 1, 2026 to Dec 31, 2026, at about 10 hours/week, with potential extension.

Duties include field and lab work on Varroa mites, honey bee pathogens, and data analysis for manuscript preparation. Eligibility requires full-time student status in a Canadian institution, doctoral enrollment in apiculture (University of Alberta

Qualifications

• Experience in biological field work.
• Experience in the use of molecular biology techniques.
• Ability to use scientific instruments and tools, including PCR.

Responsibilities

• Perform field experiments to evaluate the efficacy of novel miticides to suppress Varroa destructor populations.
• Perform lab assays to quantify populations of mites in honey bee colonies and within honey bee brood.
• Perform lab assays to detect honey bee pathogens.
• Summarize and analyze data, and prepare manuscripts from experimental work.

Job description

Apiculture Ph.D. Student - Research Affiliate Program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada- Science and Technology Branch

Closing date:August 25, 2026 - 23:59, Pacific Time

Employment tenure
The projected start date is September 1, 2026 with an end date of December 31, 2026 (or depending on the candidate's availability or needs). It is expected that the student will work 10 hours per week with the possibility of part-time extension.

Salary
$29.64 to $38.38 per hour-Varies as per the level of education and experience.

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.

Duties

• Perform field experiments to evaluate the efficacy of novel miticides to suppress Varroa destructor populations.
• Perform lab assays to quantify populations of mites in honey bee colonies and within honey bee brood.
• Perform lab assays to detect honey bee pathogens.
• Summarize and analyze data, and prepare manuscripts from experimental work.

Work environment
The candidate will be required to work outdoors managing honey bee colonies to perform experiments and work in a molecular biological laboratory for the detection of honey bee pathogens. Outdoor work will be under a variety of summer and fall weather conditions. Working with honey bee colonies will subject the candidate to honey bee stings and the need to spend long hours outdoors manipulating and managing bee colonies, applying miticides and collecting samples.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 Professionals Network

Positions to be filled
1

Important messages
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.

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.

Ability and willingness to work with chemical reagents used to treat honey bee diseases and mites. Ability and willingness to tolerate honey bee stings.
Ability and willingness to work in a laboratory environment.
Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication without impinging on the duties to be performed.
Ability and willingness to work in various weather conditions.

You need (essential for the job)

Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following

Education:
Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by the date of the appointment, in a doctoral program at the University of Alberta with a specialization in Apiculture.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.

Experience:
Experience* in biological field work.
Experience* in the use of molecular biology techniques.*In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through studies, work experience, or volunteer activities.

Applied / assessed at a later date

Knowledge:
Knowledge of season-round management of honey bee colonies under Canadian prairie conditions.
Knowledge of honey bee disease, parasites and pests.

Abilities:
Ability to use scientific instruments and tools, including use of PCR (polymerase chain reaction).
Ability to write reports, technical bulletins, posters and assist in drafting scientific papers.

Language requirements (essential for the job)

Applied / assessed at a later date

English essential - You are entitled to participate in the selection process in the official language of your choice.

We're 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 contact the hiring organization below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the population it serves. We promote employment equity and encourage you to self-declare if you belong to one of the designated employment equity groups when you apply.

Selection may be limited to members of the following employment equity groups: Indigenous (Aboriginal) peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and women.

Preference will be given to veterans first, followed by Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of jobs located in Nunavut or Yukon. For positions located in Nunavut, qualified Inuit enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement will be appointed first. For positions located in Yukon, qualified Yukon First Nations will be appointed first, followed by qualified Indigenous persons.

• 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

We'd like to thank all those who apply. However, only the people selected for further consideration will be contacted.