Graduate Student Assistant in Plant Virology Research

Graduate Student Assistant in Plant Virology Research - Research Affiliate Program Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- Science and Technology Branch

Employment tenure
The projected start date is September 2, 2026 with an end date of May 4, 2027 (or depending on the candidate's availability or needs). It is expected that the student will work 5 hours per week with the possibility of part-time extension.

Salary
$29.64 to $38.38 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
Under the supervision of a research scientist, the candidate will conduct research in the area of basic molecular biotechnology and virology such as plant genetic transformation, maintenance of plants in greenhouse and growth chamber, gene cloning, plasmid construction, DNA sequence analysis, RT-PCR, ELISA, immunoblotting, and other work when assigned.

Work environment
The lab is located at the Research and Development Center in London, Ontario. The incumbent will be working with a molecular virology team on a project aimed at understanding molecular virus-plant interactions and developing novel genetic resistance against plant viruses.

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 Person s 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 Professionals 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.

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.

Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following

Education:

Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by the date of appointment in a PhD program at a recognized postsecondary institution with specialization in Molecular Plant Virology.

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 Western University.

Experience:

Experience
* in plant virology such as inoculation of plants with virus (such as tomato brown rugose fruit virus), PCR, RT-PCR, DNA sequence analysis,…