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

Posting details

• Reference number: AGR26J-188461-000004
• Selection process number: 2026-AGR-RAP-7A
• 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.

Employment tenure

The anticipated start date is January 18, 2027, with an end date of January 18, 2029 (renewable depending on the duration of the graduate study program). The student is expected to work 20 hours per week.

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. • 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

Intent of the process

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. We are seeking 2 passionate candidates to work on one of the following innovative projects:

TOPIC 1: Advancing Mycovirus Biocontrol: Overcoming Deployment and Formulation Challenges

Objective: Develop innovative biofungicides based on mycoviruses to control major fungal pathogens (e.g., Botrytis). • Characterize the host range of two novel extracellular mycoviruses. • Optimize formulation and field application methods for stability and infectivity. • Integrate metabolomics to decipher the mechanisms behind fungal hypovirulence. TOPIC 2: Bioinformatics & Bacteriophages: Predictive Pipeline for Agriculture and Food Safety

Objective: Develop a cutting-edge integrated bioinformatics pipeline to discover, rank, and validate beneficial bacteriophages from soil viromes. • Analyze large-scale metagenomic and viromic datasets (dark virome). • Utilize machine learning algorithms (e.g., iPHoP, PhagesAI) to predict phage-host interactions.

• Build an integrated pipeline targeting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and plant disease control.

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.

Language requirements

English or French essential