Microbial Ecology Master’s Student

Microbial Ecology Master’s Student - Research Affiliate Program Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- Science and Technology Branch

Employment tenure
The projected start date is January 4, 2027 with an end date of January 9, 2029 (or depending on the candidate's availability or needs). It is expected that the student will work 16 to 19 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 explore parameters associated with irrigated and non-irrigated croplands including: soil microbial community composition and diversity, soil organic carbon, soil microbial respiration, plant-available nitrogen, and orthophosphate concentrations. This project will create a framework of parameters which will be shared with producers and industry leaders to maintain or restore soil health.

The successful candidate will receive hands-on training in:

• Soil sampling and field experimental methods
• Microbiological and soil science laboratory methods
• Statistical Analysis in R
• Scientific communication and project management

This interdisciplinary training will prepare the student for future careers in academia, soil sciences, environmental microbiology, and related industries.

Work environment:
Applications are invited for a funded MSc project in the Gorzelak and Chau Labs at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre in association with the University of Lethbridge. The project will investigate how indicators of soil health in dryland agricultural systems respond following irrigation expansion.

Field work will be conducted at irrigated and non-irrigated croplands in Lethbridge County. Soil analyses are to be completed in the laboratory while data analysis and writing will be undertaken in office space at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre.

Positions to be filled
1

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.

Operational Requirements:
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours and overtime.
Ability and willingness to travel.
Ability and willingness to wear personal protective equipment.
Ability and willingness to work with hazardous chemicals and biological materials.
Ability and willingness to work under various environmental and weather conditions.
Ability and willingness to work in office, laboratory, and field environments.

Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following

Education:

Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by the date of the appointment in a master's program at the University of Lethbridge with a specialization in

• Agricultural Biotechnology
• Biological Sciences;
• Biotechnology;
• Biochemistry; or
• Environmental Sciences
  
  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 a molecular biology laboratory or a field research environment.

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 soil science, microbiology, or agricultural systems.

Competencies:

Written and oral communication
Analytical thinking
Planning and Organizing
Creativity

Abilities and

Skills:

Ability to collect, analyze and interpret scientific datasets.

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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