Graduate Research Assistant- Phage Biology and Applications

Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat; Guelph; On-site; Part time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Graduate Research Assistant in Phage Biology. The role involves conducting research under supervision, focusing on microbiology and molecular biology. The successful candidate will work in a collaborative environment, applying advanced techniques to develop detection methods for Listeria. This position offers valuable experience in a well-equipped lab and opportunities for academic growth.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a PhD program at the University of Guelph.
• Experience in culturing pathogenic bacteria and molecular biological techniques.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in microbiology and phage biology.
• Apply molecular biological techniques to detect Listeria.

Skills

Problem Solving

Teamwork

Interactive Communication

Initiative

Education

PhD program in microbiology

Tools

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Western Blotting

ELISA

Job description

Graduate Research Assistant- Phage Biology and Applications - Research Affiliate Program

Reference number : AGR24J-170607-000013

Selection process number : 24-AGR-RAP-56 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Science and Technology Branch

The projected start date is August 2, 2024 with an end date of March 30, 2025 (or depending on the candidate's availability or needs). It is expected that the student will work 14 hours per week with the possibility of part-time extension.

28.99 to $37.53 per hour (Varies as per level of education and experience.)

For further information on the organization, please visit

For further information on the Research Affiliate Program (RAP), please visit

Closing date : 19 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.

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.

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

Under the supervision of a research scientist, the candidate will conduct research in the area of microbiology, molecular biology, and phage biology, such as immobilizing Listeria phages and using them in combination with molecular techniques to detect Listeria in produce wash water and other work as requested.

Work environment

The lab is located at the Guelph Research and Development Centre – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Guelph, On). The incumbent will apply molecular biological and microbiological techniques and be working with a diverse research team that is composed of a research scientist, research technician and a couple of other graduate and undergraduate students. The bacteriophage research program is focusing on understanding phage biology and using this information to develop novel phage-based biocontrol and detection technique. The project that will be assigned to the selected student aims for developing phage-based detection assay for Listeria monocytogenes using immobilized phages. The incumbent will be doing the lab experiments in a well-equipped shared research lab and will have access to a shared workstation in the library area to collect relevant literature materials and analyze their results. The incumbent will also have access to various genomics tools to facilitate phage and bacterial genome analysis.

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 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

Contact information for 2 references.

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 PhD program at the University of Guelph with a specialization in microbiology, molecular biology or relevant 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 must be returning to full-time studies for your next academic term.

Experience : Experience

• in culturing pathogenic bacteria.

Experience

• in molecular biological techniques (e.g. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), cloning, western blotting, ELISA).

Experience

• in paramagnetic particles to pull down biological materials.

Experience

Experience

• in tissue culture and microscopy.

Experience in the preparation of manuscripts for publication in reputed scientific journals.

• 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)

Interactive Communication

Initiative

Teamwork

Problem Solving

Abilities :

Ability to express and purify protein.

Ability to present research results to the scientific community (ex conferences).

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.

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.

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.