Graduate Research Assistant – Computational Molecular Virology

Graduate Research Assistant Computational Molecular Virology - Research Affiliate Program

Reference number : AGR24J-170607-000010

Selection process number : 24-AGR-RAP-48 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Science and Technology Branch

Guelph (Ontario)

The projected start date is September 3, 2024 or January 2, 2025 with an end date of March 30, 2027 (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 part-time extension.

$28.99 to $37.53 per hour (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 : 15 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

The selected candidate will perform research on developing computational tools for studying and predicting host-virus interaction.

The candidate will be involved in developing and testing pipelines to examine in silico host-virus interactions.

Work environment

Summerland Research and Development Center (SuRDC) of AAFC and the Sidney Laboratory-Centre for Plant Health (CPH) of CFIA are at the forefront of research in small fruit crops, fruit trees, and grapevines for their improvement and protection.

SuRDC has driven research in several areas, including but not limited to developing improved crop varieties, improving the understanding of economically important pathogens, and developing new computational tools for crop protection.

Our lab studies viruses that infect small fruit crops (e.g., Blueberries), fruit trees (e.g., cherries), and grapevines to develop diagnostics tools, antiviral strategies for crop treatments, and improved varieties of crops in the wake of climate change.

We use genetics, genomics, biochemistry, bioinformatics, and computational tools.

We are looking for a PhD student to work on a project to study and develop computational tools for predicting host-virus interaction.

The student will work closely with AAFC and University of Waterloo.

Our lab strongly believes in inclusivity, diversity, and equity. We believe in taking ownership of our actions and respecting others through verbal and non-verbal actions.

The selected candidate will be based in Ontario Guelph RDC.

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 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

Positions to be filled : 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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 Ph.D. program in a recognize post-secondary institution with a specialization in Biology Biotechnology, Bioinformatics or Biochemistry.

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 Waterloo.

Note : Due to nature and duration of the project, the candidate must be able to join on September 3, 2024 or January 2, 2025 at the latest.

Experience :

Experience* in protein structure and interaction modelling.

Experience* in preparing scientific research articles in the field of protein structure and modeling.

In the context of student recruitment in the federal public service, experience can be acquired through studies, work experience and volunteer activities.

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

English essential

Knowledge :

Knowledge of host -virus interaction.

Knowledge of tools for in silico protein interaction analysis.

Competencies : Growth mindset

Growth mindset

Adaptability

Teamwork

Written communication

Abilities :

Ability to prioritize, plan and carry out laboratory procedures independently.

Ability to synthesize, interpret and analyze wet lab and computational results.

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.