Graduate Student (MS/PhD) - Research Affiliate Program

Duties
The successful candidate will have the opportunities to conduct research experiments in laboratory, greenhouse, and fields to investigate fungal diseases of strawberry, blueberry and raspberry, as well as to explore management options. The potential research areas include: (i) detection of fungal pathogens in, strawberry, blueberry and raspberry plants; (ii) isolation and characterization of causal agents associated with strawberry, blueberry and raspberry diseases such as gray mould, and Neopestalotiopsis; (iii) understanding pathogen biology and disease cycle; (iv) investigation of host-pathogen interaction and host resistance; (v) characterization of plant-associated microbiome. In addition to strong academic competence, basic knowledge of fruit production system will be highly appreciated. The student will have the opportunities to interact with growers, industry partners, other graduate students, and research technicians. The successful candidate should demonstrate strong work ethics, a high sense of responsibilities, the ability to work effectively in team environments, and enthusiasm for working in both controlled environments and field settings.The day-to-day work will take place at two locations: Either Acadia or Dalhousie University during coursework periods and the Kentville Research and Development Centre, Nova Scotia for the field, greenhouse, and laboratory research.

Work environment
The Kentville Research and Development Centre (KRDC) is one of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) national network of 20 research centers. It is located in Kentville, in western Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley. Today, research is focused on horticulture, functional foods and post-harvest processing of horticultural products. The center focuses its research in three key areas: primary production and integrated crop production technology for the Atlantic region, food safety and quality and environmental stewardship, and improving performance of the agricultural production system.
Day-to-day work will take place at a Government of Canada research facility and Acadia or Dalhousie University – each a professional and relaxed setting.
Laboratory work will require some prerequisite safety training. About 60 to 70% of the work will be in controlled environments and remaining portions includes field work.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

Important messages
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.

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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.

Ability and willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions for long periods of time.
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

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Education*:
Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by the date of appointment in a Master’s or Ph.D. program at Acadia or Dalhousie University in the field of Plant Pathology, Plant Sciences, Microbiology, Agriculture, Molecular Biology or a related field.

Experience:
Experience* Experience in molecular biology and plant microbe interactions.
Experience* in doing laboratory, greenhouse or field trials of plant inoculation with microbes.
Experience* in the study and functional interaction analysis of plant associated microbiomes.In the context of student recruitment in the federal public service, experience can be acquired through studies, work experience and volunteer activities.

Knowledge:
Knowledge of plant and plant associated microorganisms.
Knowledge of molecular biology.
Knowledge of molecular biology techniques such as DNA, RNA extraction and PCR and sequencing.
Knowledge of experimental design and/or statistics.

Competencies:
Interpersonal skills
Creativity and innovation
Planning and organizing
Initiative
Teamwork

Abilities:
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
Ability to plan, design, and set up experiments.
Ability to collect, record, and analyze data, summarize results and contribute to report/manuscript preparation.
Ability to handle multiple tasks or project activities.

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Applied / assessed at a later date

English essential - You are entitled to participate in the selection process in the official language of your choice.

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

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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.

Learn more about preference to veterans.

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