##Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Science and Technology Branch

###Closing date: March 31, 2026 - 23:59, Pacific Time

Reference number AGR26J-092396-000004

Selection process number 26-AGR-RAP-16

Location Saskatoon (Saskatchewan)

Employment tenure The projected start date is September 1, 2026 with an end date of August 31, 2028 (or depending on the candidate's availability or needs). It is expected that the student will work 21 hours per week with the possibility of part-time extension.

Salary $25.17 to $31.69 per hour - Varies as per the level of education and experience.

Who can 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 , 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 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

##On this page

About the position

Conditions of employment

You need (essential for the job)

Language requirements (essential for the job)

Our commitment

Equity, diversity and inclusion

Preference

How to

Additional links

Hiring organization contact

##About the position

Duties The candidate will design and perform biochemical and/or molecular biology research in support of a master’s degree in the field of plant sciences or food sciences. The project will involve the characterization of lipoxygenase enzyme activity in chickpeas and assessments of lipid oxidation during the chickpea soaking process. The candidate will collaborate with analytical scientists to quantify lipid oxidation and rancid volatile production in roasted chickpeas. The project will involve working with local companies and academic collaborators to generate strategies to overcome the detrimental effect of lipid oxidation on the quality and shelf-life of roasted chickpea products.Perform wet-lab biochemistry and molecular biology experiments.
Assist in sample lipid and volatile analysis by GC-MS, and LC-MS
Maintain thorough records of experiments and data analysis.
Assist in creation of publications.
Assist in the dissemination of data via presentation to collaborators and conference presentations.

Work environment The applicant will perform research experiments in a molecular biology/biochemistry laboratory of Dr. O`Leary at the Saskatoon Research and Development Centre. The O’Leary lab focuses on biochemical, nutritional and physiological qualities of seeds from prairie crops like pulses, canola and wheat.

Positions to be filled 1

Important messages As part of its priority to advance reconciliation and renew Canada’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples, AAFC is committed to hiring more Indigenous Peoples into their workforce. Better representation within the public service of Canada’s fastest-growing demographic group will lead to more innovative and inclusive solutions to today’s complex challenges. Ultimately, this will improve government services for Canadians. Indigenous peoples are therefore encouraged to to this process and self-identify.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.

Learn more about security screening process.

##You need (essential for the job)

Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following

Education:
Candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, food science or equivalent.Currently enrolled, or will be enrolled by the date of the appointment, in a master's program at the University of Saskatchewan with a specialization in:

• Plant Sciences or,
• Food Sciences.

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.

Learn more about degree equivalency.

Experience:

• Previous experience working in a lab setting.

Note: In the context of student recruitment in the federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through studies, work experience or volunteer activities.

Applied / assessed at a later date

Knowledge:

• Basic knowledge of biochemistry, metabolism and enzyme function.
• Basic knowledge of plant breeding.

Competencies:

• Must be self-motivated.
• Must be enthusiastic about scientific research.
• Must possess time management and project management skills.

Abilities:

• Ability to perform biochemical experiments following a protocol and with instructions.
• Ability to understand and implement agricultural experimental design.
• Ability to report findings in a scientific manner.
• Ability to research and understand scientific literature.

##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.

Learn more about language requirements.

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

Learn more about assessment accommodation.

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

Learn more about diversity and inclusion in the public service.

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 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.

Learn more about employment equity.

##Preference

Preference will be given to veterans first, followed by Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of jobs located in Nunavut or Yukon. For positions located in Nunavut, qualified Inuit enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement will be appointed first. For positions located in Yukon, qualified Yukon First Nations will be appointed first, followed by qualified Indigenous persons.

Learn more about preference to veterans.

##How to

Learn more about ing for Government of Canada jobs.

Information you must provide

• Your résumé
• A cover letter - Please explain your interest in the job and qualifications for the job.
• 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

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

##Additional links

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

##Hiring organization contact

**Name:**RAP Team – Research Affiliate Program
**Email address:**aafc.rap-par.aac@agr.gc.ca