Graduate Student; MS​/PhD

Position: Graduate Student (MS/PhD)

Graduate Student (MS/PhD) - Research Affiliate Program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Science and Technology Branch

Closing date:
February 16, 2026 - 23:59, Pacific Time

Reference number
AGR
26J
- Selection process number
26-AGR-RAP-3 Location
Kentville (Nova Scotia)
Employment tenure
The projected start date is April 2, 2026 with an end date of March 30, 2029 (or depending on the candidate's availability or needs). It is expected that the student will work 14-18 hours per week with the possibility of part-time extension.
Salary
$25.17 to $38.38 per hour - Masters $25.17 to $31.69 and PhD $29.64 to $38.38. 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.
Organization information
For further information on the organization, please visit .

On this page

About the position

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…