MSc Student – Agro-ecology Rusts

MSc Student – Agro-ecology of Saskatoon Rusts - Research Affiliate Program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Science and Technology Branch

Closing date:
March 6, 2026 - 23:59, Pacific Time

Reference number
AGR
26J
- Selection process number
26-AGR-RAP-12 Location
Summerland (British Columbia)
Employment tenure
The projected start date is September 7, 2026 with an end date of September 1, 2028 (or depending on the candidate's availability or needs). It is expected that the student will work 17 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 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.
Organization information
For further information on the organization, please visit .

On this page

About the position

Duties
The student will conduct research to investigate the interacting effects of wildfire, controlled burns and fungal pathogens on productivity of saskatoon (Amelanchier spp.) across environmental conditions in Skeetchestn Traditional Territory, to enhance Skeetchestn community access to high quality berries. The research will involve:
(1) identification of fungal pathogens infecting saskatoon in Skeetchestn Traditional Territory.
(2) quantifying existing pathogen incidence rates at field research sites spanning the environmental conditions in Skeetchestn Traditional Territory, and relating these to saskatoon productivity.
(3) evaluating the influence of cultural / controlled burns and wildfire on pathogen incidence.
(4) Relating the preceding objectives to environmental conditions (including the surrounding plant community, and soil and climatic conditions) to evaluate predictors and mechanisms of infection of saskatoon by damaging rusts.
(5) Knowledge transfer to the Skeetchestn community.
Work environment
The Summerland Research and Development Centre (SuRDC) is part of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) national network of 17 research and development centres. AAFC provides information, research and technology, and policies and programs to achieve security of the food system, health of the environment and innovation for growth. This is a collaborative project between AAFC, Skeetchestn Indian Band, via Sketchestn Natural Resources LLP, and the University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus (UBCO).

Time will be divided between coursework, writing, and participation in educational activities at UBCO and research that will be conducted in Skeetchestn Traditional Territory and / or on Skeetchestn Indian Reserve, and  selected student will need to be willing and able to work at and commute between UBCO, SuRDC, and Skeetchestn Traditional Territory.

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 Person s 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 Important messages
Candidates will…