Graduate Research Assistant

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada/ Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada; Morden; On-site; CAD 34,674 - 43,656; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Collaborative research environment

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

A federal agricultural agency is seeking a Graduate Research Student for a position focusing on wheat pollen stability as part of their MSc thesis. The role involves collecting samples, developing analysis methods, and understanding pollen responses to heat stress. Candidates should be enrolled in a master's program in Biological Sciences and have experience in laboratory settings. The position offers competitive pay, research exposure, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Qualifications

• Candidate must be enrolled now, or will be enrolled by the date of the appointment, in a master's program at the University of Manitoba in Biological Sciences.
• Experience analyzing organic molecules using high performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, or other analytical tools.
• Experience working in a laboratory.
• Experience writing articles or essays.
• Experience following a research protocol, making observations, and collecting data.

Responsibilities

• Collect wheat pollen samples from field plots, greenhouses, and growth chambers.
• Develop metabolite analysis methods and conduct sample analysis using a metabolomics approach.
• Gather physiological and environmental data to support correlations.

Skills

Experience analyzing organic molecules

Experience working in a laboratory

Experience writing articles or essays

Experience following a research protocol

Attention to detail

Education

Enrolled in a master's program in Biological Sciences

Tools

High performance liquid chromatography

Mass spectrometry

Job description

Salary Range: CA$25.17/hr - CA$31.69/hr

Apply before: January 23, 2026 - 23:59, Pacific Time

Graduate Research Student – Wheat Pollen Stability

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is looking for a Graduate Research Student – Wheat Pollen Stability - Research Affiliate Program to join our team in Morden, Manitoba.

Who are we?

At AAFC, we work with farmers and food producers to support the growth and development of the agriculture and agri‑food sector. The impression we make can be seen from the farmer to the consumer and through all phases of producing, processing and marketing of farm, food and bio‑based products.

To learn more about science and innovation at AAFC check out this link www.agr.gc.ca.

What will you be doing?

The successful applicant will work on AAFC’s project focused on improving wheat pollen stability and thermotolerance to heat stress using a metabolomics approach to understand and enhance pollen thermotolerance under changing environmental conditions. The research will examine the effects of heat stress on pollen metabolites across various wheat varieties. The student will collect wheat pollen samples from field plots, greenhouses, and growth chambers, develop metabolite analysis methods, and conduct sample analysis using a metabolomics approach to evaluate the role of key metabolites in pollen fitness under heat stress. The student will also gather physiological and environmental data to support correlations, follow good laboratory practices to ensure data quality, and analyze results with appropriate statistical tests. The student will review scientific literature and interpret results within the context of their own research, and contribute to scientific reports and publications. The student will present their findings in written and oral format at scientific conferences. The student will complete this research as part of their MSc thesis at the University of Manitoba.

To learn more about the Research Affiliate Program (RAP) check out this link: RAP information

What do we have to offer?

Beyond a stimulating environment to conduct impactful research, we also pride ourselves on having a collaborative culture with a community of talented researchers to learn from. AAFC offers a competitive salary, invaluable work experience, multiple student networks and programs, and most importantly, an incredible opportunity for personal and professional growth in the federal public service. AAFC takes this a step further by offering a student integration inventory for students who want to be considered for a career in the public service after graduation.

What do you need to bring to the table?

• Candidate must be enrolled now, or will be enrolled by the date of the appointment, in a master's program at the University of Manitoba in Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science.
• Experience analyzing organic molecules using high performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, or other analytical tools.
• Experience working in a laboratory.
• Experience writing articles or essays.
• Experience following a research protocol, making observations, and collecting data.