MSc Student- Microbiology

Location: Harrison Lake Region (Agassiz)

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…