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Job Title


Graduate Student Research Associate, Forage Quantitative Genetics


Company : Employment and Social Development Canada


Location : Lethbridge,


Created : 2026-05-01


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Agriculture and AgriFood Canada Science and Technology Branch Employment tenure The projected start date is July 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 20 hours per week with the possibility of parttime extension. Salary $29.64 to $38.38 per hour varies as per 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 date of appointment: Be recognized as having fulltime student status at an accredited Canadian postsecondary academic institution (including students with a disability deemed to have fulltime 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 focus on developing and advancing mutant populations generated through chemical mutagenesis or CRISPR/Cas9. Work will include conducting multilocation field experiments, validating candidate genes, performing invitro experiments, evaluating greenhouse trials, and assessing lipid and other quality traits in collaboration with StacySinger and AkliluAlemu. The student will also develop genomic selection models and apply them for selection as appropriate. Data collection and analysis is expected, and findings should be published in peerreviewed journals. Work environment The Lethbridge Research and Development Centre is one of the largest facilities within AAFCs network of 20 research and development centres. It is located in Lethbridge, AB, a vibrant midsized city of about 100,000 people, situated two hours south of Calgary and one hour north of the U.S. border. AAFC is an employer that fosters a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace. Employees are encouraged to join the following networks: 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 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 the educational program may lead to a temporary or permanent federal public service position if you meet the merit criteria and conditions of employment. Conditions of employment Reliability Status security clearance each student hired through the RAP must meet security requirements of the position as a condition of employment and will be asked to complete securityrelevant documents. All of the following apply: Ability and willingness to work in field, greenhouse and molecular laboratory environments with limited supervision. Ability and willingness to work under various environmental and weather conditions. Ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials and chemicals. Willingness to work off hours. You need (essential for the job) Education Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by the date of appointment in a graduate program at the University of Alberta with a specialization in Plant Breeding, Plant Genetics, Applied Statistics, and/or Molecular Biology. Must be recognized as having fulltime student status at the institution in which you are presently enrolled; proof of enrollment will be required prior to the start date, and the student must return to fulltime studies for the next academic term. Experience Experience in agriculturalbased field, greenhouse and molecular lab research. Experience in analysis of DNA or RNA sequencing data. Experience in data analysis using R or related software. Experience can be acquired through studies, work experience, or volunteer activities. Applied/assessed at a later date Knowledge Knowledge of plant breeding and genetics. Knowledge of hybridization of plants. Knowledge of experimental designs and statistical analysis. Knowledge of bioinformatics. Competencies Adaptability. Initiative. Judgment. Teamwork. Interactive communication. Abilities Ability to write and communicate results effectively to diverse audiences. Language requirements (essential for the job) English essential you may participate in the selection process in the official language of your choice. The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the population it serves. We promote employment equity and encourage selfdeclaration for designated employment equity groups. Agriculture and Agrifood Canada recognizes that the diversity of its employee population contributes to its strength and integrity. We are committed to achieving employment equity and developing a highly capable workforce that is representative of Canadian Society. We encourage women (especially in nontraditional occupations), Indigenous peoples (Aboriginal peoples), persons with disabilities, and members of visible minority groups to apply and declare themselves as part of one or more of the Employment Equity groups, as selection may be limited to candidates belonging to one or more of the groups. Preference will be given to veterans first, followed by Canadian citizens and permanent residents; specific to Nunavut and Yukon positions as noted. A list of the courses you have taken as well as any courses you are taking now, or that you will be taking this academic year. #J-18808-Ljbffr