Graduate Research Assistant in Plant Biology

Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat; London; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A government research agency in London, Ontario is seeking a Graduate Research Assistant in Plant Biology. The role involves conducting research on gene cloning and enzyme assays in a collaborative environment with the University of Western Ontario. Ideal candidates are enrolled in a Ph.D. program and have relevant lab experience. This part-time position offers competitive pay and the opportunity for extension based on availability.

Qualifications

• Must have full-time student status in an accredited institution.
• Experience required in related research areas.

Responsibilities

• Characterize P450 genes involved in phytoalexin biosynthesis.
• Conduct laboratory and greenhouse research.
• Work collaboratively within a research team.

Skills

Nucleic acid extraction

Gene cloning

CRISPR cas9 gene editing

Scientific writing

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Biology or Molecular Biology

Job description

Graduate Research Assistant in Plant Biology - Research Affiliate Program

Reference number : AGR25J-140895-000020

Selection process number : 25-AGR-RAP-41 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Science and Technology Branch

London(Ontario)

The projected start date is September 3, 2025 with an end date of March 31, 2028 (or depending on the candidate's availability or needs). It is expected that the student will work 2 hours per week with the possibility of part-time extension.

29.64 to $38.38 per hour (Varies as per the 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 : 20 August 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.

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.

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

The student will participate in characterizing the P450 genes that play a role in phytoalexin pisatin biosynthesis in peas using gene cloning and enzyme assays using yeast heterologous system. The tasks will mainly be conducted in a laboratory, green house and office. The student will work within a research team consisting of research assistants and other students.

Work environment

The graduate student, in collaboration with the University of Western Ontario and Dr. Sangeeta Dhaubhadel, and the London, Ontario Research and Development Centre Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, will study the role of P450 monooxygenases in phytoalexins biosynthesis in pea through biochemical, molecular and functional genomic approaches.

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.

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 Ph.D. program at a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in :

Plant biology,

Molecular biology.

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. Students should meet the eligibility requirements to enroll at the University of Western Ontario. 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 nucleic acid (DNA, RNA) extraction, and gene cloning

Experience

in yeast one and two hybrid assays

Experience

in CRISPR cas9 gene editing, GUS staining, gene expression analysis

Experience

in scientific writing and publication

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

Knowledge :

Knowledge in plant specialized metabolism

Competencies : Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Team work

Abilities : Time management

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.