MSc Student- Microbiology

Employment and Social Development Canada; Agassiz; Hybrid; CAD 35,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

The Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Science and Technology Branch is offering a part-time Research Affiliate placement for an MSc student in Microbiology. Work will focus on developing a metagenomic diagnostic protocol for detecting zoonotic pathogens in bovine samples, with field collection at Fraser Valley dairy farms.

The position requires full-time student status, English proficiency, and readiness to train in biosafety protocols.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in MSc program in Microbiology or related field at a recognized institution.
• Must maintain full-time student status and be enrolled by appointment date.
• Experience in conducting research activities and basic microbiological techniques.
• Knowledge of molecular biology and data analysis is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop a diagnostic protocol using metagenomic sequencing for bovine pathogens.
• Collect biological samples from dairy farms in the Fraser Valley.
• Prepare culture media and reagents; isolate and identify bacteria.
• Extract DNA and prepare samples for sequencing; conduct bioinformatic analysis.
• Prepare reports and manuscripts; support field, lab, and computer work.

Skills

Research experience

Basic microbiological techniques

Molecular biology techniques

Education

MSc program in Food Science, Microbiology or related field

Tools

Bioinformatics software

Job description

MSc Student- Microbiology - Research Affiliate Program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada- Science and Technology Branch

Employment tenure
The projected start date is May 1, 2027 with an end date of March 31, 2029 (or depending on the candidate's availability or needs). It is expected that the student will work 20 hours per week.

Salary
$25.17 to $31.69 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
The student will work on a project that aims to develop a new diagnostic protocol using metagenomic sequencing for detecting zoonotic bacterial and viral pathogens in bovine samples. Specific duties may include:- Collection of biological samples (manure and milk) from commercial dairy farms in the Fraser Valley.
- Preparation of microbiological culture media and reagents.
- Isolation and identification of bacteria.
- DNA extraction.
- Preparing samples for Whole Genome Sequencing and metagenomic sequencing.
- Bioinformatic analysis of genomic and metagenomic sequencing data.
- Preparation of reports and manuscripts for publication.
- other duties related to those above.

Work environment
The Food Microbiomics program at the Agassiz Research & Development Centre was established in 2020 and is led by Dr. Rhiannon Wallace. Her research focuses on controlling foodborne pathogens and understanding the transmission of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) between communities along the farm-fork-clinic continuum. The Agassiz Research and Development Centre is one of 20 research centres in Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s national network. The 310 hectare research facility is located in the eastern end of the highly productive Fraser Valley in the town of Agassiz.Under the supervision of Dr. Wallace, the student will work closely with a full-time Food Microbiology Research Technician at the Agassiz Research & Development Centre in a Containment Level 2 Microbiology Laboratory. The student will be working with human pathogens, so they must be willing to complete additional training and adhere to biosafety protocols. The student may also have opportunities to train, mentor and supervise undergraduate students. Work in the field, laboratory, and at the computer can be expected.

Positions to be filled
1

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance - Security and Reliability:
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 overtime including evenings and weekends.
– Ability and willingness to work flexible hours.
– Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication and this must not impinge upon the duties to be performed.
– Ability and willingness to work in a laboratory and farm environments.
– Ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials.

You need (essential for the job)

Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following

Education:
Candidate must be enrolled now or will be enrolled by the date of the appointment, in an MSc program at a recognized postsecondary institution with a specialization in Food Science, Food Safety, Microbiology or a related 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 the student must be returning to full-time studies for your next academic term. The student must meet the eligibility requirements to enroll at the University of British Colombia.

Experience:
– Experience in conducting research activities.
– Experience in basic microbiological and molecular biological techniques.Note: 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 experimental design and statistics.
– Knowledge of microbiology.
– Knowledge of molecular biology.

Abilities:
– Ability to plan, design and conduct scientific research activities.
– Ability to conduct basic data analysis, statistical analysis and summarize results.
– Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

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.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

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.

Learn more about diversity and inclusion in the public service .

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

Learn more about employment equity .

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada recognizes that the diversity of its employee population contributes to its strength and integrity. AAFC 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.

Preference

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.