MSc Research Associate in Forage Quality

Employment and Social Development Canada; Lethbridge; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading organization in agricultural research is seeking a MSc Research Associate to engage in forage quality analysis. The position offers hands-on experience in laboratory and field settings, supporting a foundational project in agriculture with potential for future career development. Applicants must be full-time graduate students specializing in relevant fields.

Qualifications

• Currently recognized as having full-time student status.
• Experience in outdoor and laboratory environments for scientific agricultural research.
• Knowledge of experimental designs and statistical analysis.

Responsibilities

• Manage and organize forage quality analysis and collect samples.
• Develop multi-variate prediction equations using a hand-held spectrometer.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Skills

Adaptability

Initiative

Judgement

Teamwork

Interactive Communication

Education

Currently enrolled in a MSc Program at a recognized post-secondary institution

Job description

MSc Research Associate in Forage Quality - Research Affiliate Program

Reference number: AGR25J-170607-000106
Selection process number: 25-AGR-RAP-32

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada- Science and Technology Branch
Lethbridge(Alberta)
The projected start date is September 2, 2025 with an end date of December 24, 2028 (or depending on the candidate's availability or needs). It is expected that the student will work 20 hours per week with the possibility of part-time extension.
$25.17 to $31.69 per hour (Varies as per the 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 visitResearch Affiliate Program (RAP)

Closing date:26 June 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.

Apply online

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

As part of the MSc program (project), the incumbent will manage and organize a forage (alfalfa/ cicer milkvetch) quality analysis that includes:
- Collecting forage samples from multi-environment field experiments and analyzing them for forage quality using several methods
- developing multi-variate prediction equations to accurately predict forage quality using hand-held spectrometer.
- Preparing manuscripts and publishing in peer-reeved journals.

Work environment

As one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, AAFC takes pride in fostering a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace where all employees are valued for their unique qualities, ideas, voices, and perspectives.
The Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, located in Lethbridge, AB, is one of the largest facilities within AAFC’s network of 20 research and development centres. Lethbridge is a vibrant mid-sized city with a population of approximately 100,000. It is situated two hours south of Calgary and just one hour north of the U.S. border, offering convenient access to a wide range of amenities and destinations within driving distance.


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

Contact information for 3 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 MSc Program at a recognized post-secondary institution with a specialization in Agriculture, Applied Statistics or Plant Science.

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 working outdoors and in laboratory environments dedicated to performing scientific agricultural research
Experience in collecting experimental data and writing reports

In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through studies, work experience, or volunteer activities.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

Knowledge:
Knowledge of experimental designs and statistical analysis
Knowledge of multivariate analysis using R

Competencies:
Adaptability
Initiative
Judgement
Teamwork
Interactive Communication

Abilities:
Ability to write and communicate results effectively to diverse audiences
Ability to collect and record data accurately and interpret results.

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.

Ability and willingness to work in field and wet-chemistry lab with limited supervision
Ability and willingness to work under various environmental and weather conditions.
Ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials.
Ability and willingness to work with chemicals.
Willingness to work outside normal working hours.

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 https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/opportunities/government.html.

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.

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MSc Research Associate in Forage Quality - Research Affiliate Program

Reference number: AGR25J-170607-000106
Selection process number: 25-AGR-RAP-32 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada- Science and Technology Branch
Lethbridge(Alberta)
The projected start date is September 2, 2025 with an end date of December 24, 2028 (or depending on the candidate's availability or needs). It is expected that the student will work 20 hours per week with the possibility of part-time extension.
$25.17 to $31.69 per hour (Varies as per the 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 visitResearch Affiliate Program (RAP)

Closing date:26 June 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.

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

As part of the MSc program (project), the incumbent will manage and organize a forage (alfalfa/ cicer milkvetch) quality analysis that includes:
- Collecting forage samples from multi-environment field experiments and analyzing them for forage quality using several methods
- developing multi-variate prediction equations to accurately predict forage quality using hand-held spectrometer.
- Preparing manuscripts and publishing in peer-reeved journals.

Work environment

As one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, AAFC takes pride in fostering a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace where all employees are valued for their unique qualities, ideas, voices, and perspectives.
The Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, located in Lethbridge, AB, is one of the largest facilities within AAFC’s network of 20 research and development centres. Lethbridge is a vibrant mid-sized city with a population of approximately 100,000. It is situated two hours south of Calgary and just one hour north of the U.S. border, offering convenient access to a wide range of amenities and destinations within driving distance.


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 3 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 MSc Program at a recognized post-secondary institution with a specialization in Agriculture, Applied Statistics or Plant Science.

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.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience in working outdoors and in laboratory environments dedicated to performing scientific agricultural research
Experience in collecting experimental data and writing reports

In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through 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 experimental designs and statistical analysis
Knowledge of multivariate analysis using R

Competencies:
Adaptability
Initiative
Judgement
Teamwork
Interactive Communication

Abilities:
Ability to write and communicate results effectively to diverse audiences
Ability to collect and record data accurately and interpret results.

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

Ability and willingness to work in field and wet-chemistry lab with limited supervision
Ability and willingness to work under various environmental and weather conditions.
Ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials.
Ability and willingness to work with chemicals.
Willingness to work outside normal working hours.

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 https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/opportunities/government.html.

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.

Contact information

RAP Team – Research Affiliate Program [e-mail]

Apply online