Graduate Student (MS / PhD)

Graduate Student (MS / PhD) - Research Affiliate Program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada- Science and Technology Branch

Closing date : February 16, 2026 - 23 : 59, Pacific Time

Employment tenure

The projected start date is April 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 14-18 hours per week with the possibility of part-time extension.

Salary

$25.17 to $38.38 per hour-Masters $25.17 to $31.69 and PhD $29.64 to $38.38. 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 successful candidate will have the opportunities to conduct research experiments in laboratory, greenhouse, and fields to investigate fungal diseases of strawberry, blueberry and raspberry, as well as to explore management options. The potential research areas include : (i) detection of fungal pathogens in, strawberry, blueberry and raspberry plants; (ii) isolation and characterization of causal agents associated with strawberry, blueberry and raspberry diseases such as gray mould, and Neopestalotiopsis; (iii) understanding pathogen biology and disease cycle; (iv) investigation of host-pathogen interaction and host resistance; (v) characterization of plant-associated microbiome.In addition to strong academic competence, basic knowledge of fruit production system will be highly appreciated. The student will have the opportunities to interact with growers, industry partners, other graduate students, and research technicians. The successful candidate should demonstrate strong work ethics, a high sense of responsibilities, the ability to work effectively in team environments, and enthusiasm for working in both controlled environments and field settings.The day-to-day work will take place at two locations : Either Acadia or Dalhousie University during coursework periods and the Kentville Research and Development Centre, Nova Scotia for the field, greenhouse, and laboratory research.

Work environment

The Kentville Research and Development Centre (KRDC) is one of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) national network of 20 research centers. It is located in Kentville, in western Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley. Today, research is focused on horticulture, functional foods and post-harvest processing of horticultural products. The center focuses its research in three key areas : primary production and integrated crop production technology for the Atlantic region, food safety and quality and environmental stewardship, and improving performance of the agricultural production system.

Day-to-day work will take place at a Government of Canada research facility and Acadia or Dalhousie University – each a professional and relaxed setting.

Laboratory work will require some prerequisite safety training. About 60 to 70% of the work will be in controlled environments and remaining portions includes field work.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

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.

Ability and willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions for long periods of time.

Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

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 Acadia or Dalhousie University in the field of Plant Pathology, Plant Sciences, Microbiology, Agriculture, Molecular Biology or a related field.

Experience : Experience

Experience

Experience

Applied / assessed at a later date

Knowledge :

Knowledge of plant and plant associated microorganisms.

Knowledge of molecular biology.

Knowledge of molecular biology techniques such as DNA, RNA extraction and PCR and sequencing.

Knowledge of experimental design and / or statistics.

Competencies : Interpersonal skills

Creativity and innovation

Planning and organizing

Initiative

Teamwork

Abilities :

Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.

Ability to plan, design, and set up experiments.

Ability to collect, record, and analyze data, summarize results and contribute to report / manuscript preparation.

Ability to handle multiple tasks or project activities.

Language requirements (essential for the job)

Applied / assessed at a later date

English essential - You are entitled to participate in the selection process in the official language of your choice.

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 contact the hiring organization below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

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

Selection may be limited to members of the following employment equity groups : Indigenous (Aboriginal) peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and women.

Preference will be given to veterans first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

We'd like to thank all those who apply. However, only the people selected for further consideration will be contacted.

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