Research assistant (MSc or PhD) - Plant virus epidemiology

Research assistant (MSc or PhD) - Plant virus epidemiology - Research Affiliate Program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Science and Technology Branch

Closing date : February 24, 2026 - 23 : 59, Pacific Time

Reference number

AGR26J-170427-000248 Selection process number

26-AGR-RAP-7 Location

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu (Québec) Employment tenure

The projected start date is January 20, 2026 with an end date of March 6, 2026 (or depending on the candidate's availability or needs). It is expected that the student will work 19.5 hours per week with the possibility of part-time extension. Salary

$25.17 to $38.38 per hour - Master : $25.17 to $31.69; Doctorate : $29.64 to $38.38 - 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 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 .

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About the position

Duties

Field sample collections.

Processing of samples in the laboratory.

Data analysis.

Manuscript writing. Work environment

The project will be carried out at the Research and Development Center in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, located at 430 boul. Gouin, St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, J3B 3E6. The candidate will pursue their graduate studies under the joint supervision of a partnering university professor (University of Sherbrooke, University of Montreal).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.

Who can apply?Are you looking for an excellent opportunity to pursue a master's or a Ph.D. in a field of the future with intellectually vibrant research topics?

Do you want to be involved in the discovery of sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides?

Are you curious about what RNAi is and how they can contribute to the sustainable agriculture of tomorrow?

Are you interested in exploring the impact of viruses on plants?

Do you want to know more about the viral biodiversity in soil?

Are you eager to understand the impact of viruses in soil and plants functioning?

Would you like to enhance your skills in molecular biology and join a cutting-edge research team?

Or are you simply a science enthusiast looking to be part of the solutions for food security and the protection of our agroecosystems?Come and join a dynamic team to work on :

1. The use of viruses as carriers to deliver RNAs into plants to control viral infections and expressions.

2. The use of viruses to control fungal pathogens.

3. The influence of root exudates on the activity and assembly of viral communities in the soil.

4. The involvement of viruses in carbon sequestration and nitrogen recycling processes in the soil.

5. Morphological and functional characterization of unknown viruses in mineral and organic soil.

6. Exploring the “dark virome” (uncharacterized virome) through bioinformatics : developing tools to discover beneficial viruses.If any of these topics interest you, we welcome you to join our vibrant team! Positions to be filled

3 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.

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.

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You need (essential for the job)

Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following Education :

Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by the date of appointment in a Master’s or Ph.D. program at a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in : molecular biology, virology, plant pathology, microbiology, biotechnology, genetics, or any other discipline relevant to the field of study.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.

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Applied / assessed at a later date Competencies :

Motivation to learn and progress.

Creativity and innovation.

Attention to detail.Abilities :

Ability to collect samples in the fields.

Ability to process samples in the laboratory.

Ability to analyze nanopore sequencing data.

Ability to write manuscripts.

Language requirements (essential for the job)

Applied / assessed at a later date English or French - You are entitled to participate in the selection process in the official language of your choice.

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Our commitment

We're committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

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Equity, diversity and inclusion

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 you to if you belong to one of the designated employment equity groups when you apply.

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Agriculture and Agri-food 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 non-traditional 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.

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