Graduate student – Microbial ecology of agricultural nitrogen management systems MSc or PhD

Graduate student – Microbial ecology of agricultural nitrogen management systems MSc or PhD - Research Affiliate Program

Reference number : AGR24J-170607-000008

Selection process number : 24-AGR-RAP-55 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Science and Technology Branch

Harrow (Ontario)

The projected start date is September 3, 2024 or January 2, 2025 with an end date of January 3, 2028 (or depending on the candidate's availability or needs). It is expected that the student will work 16 hours per week with the possibility of part-time extension.

24.62 to $37.53 per hour (Masters : $24.62 to $30.99; Doctorate : $28.99 to $37.53 - Varies as per the level of education and experience.)

For further information on the organization, please visit

For further information on the Research Affiliate Program (RAP), please visit

Closing date : 19 July 2024 - 23 : 59, Pacific Time

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.

Important messages

We are 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 use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

AAFC is committed to diversity and inclusion and is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s best diversity employers. We welcome all applicants and strongly encourage candidates to self-declare if they belong to an Employment Equity designated group (i.e. Aboriginal Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, Visible Minorities, or Women).

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice. Applicants are asked to indicate their preferred official language in their application.

Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required. Candidates who apply to this selection process should include an email address that accepts emails from unknown users (some email systems block these types of emails).

Duties

Two major environmental issues for Canadian agriculture are reduced carbon (C) inputs with annual cropping and environmental losses (nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, nitrate leaching) associated with nitrogen (N) fertilization. Cover cropping and 4R nutrient management, including the use of nitrogen stabilizers, are the most strategic technologies that can increase soil organic carbon, by increasing annual primary production while potentially reducing N2O emissions from fertilizer use.

In collaboration with the research teams of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) located at the Harrow Research Development Centre (Ontario) and the School of Environment Sciences at the University of Guelph (Ontario), the student will conduct research leading to the writing of a graduate thesis on the interactive effects of cover crops and nitrification inhibitors in agricultural systems, with a specific focus on soil microbial mechanisms.

The student will investigate co-predictors (microbial, climate, soil environment) of inhibitor effectiveness within and across different agricultural regions, evaluate how microbial communities respond to different management practices, and develop new molecular tools for investigating microbial communities in soil. The student’s project will support the development of innovative best management practices and promote agricultural practices that build soil carbon while maintaining crop productivity and supporting Canada’s GHG reduction targets.

Work environment

The Harrow (Ontario) Research and Development Center (RDC) is one of 20 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Centres. The Harrow RDC is a lead contributor to research on the environmental sustainability of agricultural systems. The soil microbiology and soil science programs combine pure and applied science to develop soil management and greenhouse gas mitigation strategies for the agriculture sector.

The majority of research activities will be conducted at the Harrow RDC and all coursework will be completed at the University of Guelph.

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.

Positions to be filled : 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "Cover letter : In addition to a general introduction of yourself, the cover letter should include either a short statement of research interests or a short description of a project you were involved in that included any aspect of environmental science (biological, physical, chemical). The project can be through academic studies, work experience or volunteer activities. Cover letter should be approximately 400-600 words in length."

Contact information for 2 references.

A list of the courses you have taken as well as any courses that you are taking now, or that you will be taking this academic year

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Education :

Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by the date of appointment in a Master or PhD program in a recognized post-secondary institution with a specialization in Microbial ecology, Environmental science, Environmental microbiology or Soil science / biogeochemistry.

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 criteria to enroll at the University of Guelph.

Experience : Experience

Experience

Experience

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English essential

Knowledge :

Knowledge of microbial ecology or environmental microbiology.

Knowledge of collecting gas, water, and soil samples.

Knowledge of theory and principles of statistical analysis in biological sciences.

Competencies : Initiative

Planning and organization

Time management

Abilities :

Ability to communicate well orally and in writing.

Ability to plan, design and conduct experiments.

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

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.

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.

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. You must apply online through .

Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying online are asked to contact the email referenced below under “Contact Information.”

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.