Research assistant, Metal toxicity to invertebrates - Research Affiliate Program

Duties

The student will undertake research focused on physiological and metabolic effects of two rare metals (cerium and neodymium) on terrestrial grasshoppers (used as a model species), using an established colony. The work will address rates at which toxins are accumulated and detoxified in the body, along with an indication of the cost of detoxification. Characterization of body composition (lipid, carbohydrate, protein) and enzyme activity will be measured to determine if the metabolic machinery is altered in response to metal exposure. Whole body respirometry will be undertaken to assess cost of contamination.

Work environment

The successful candidate will work in the Plant and Invertebrate Toxicology Laboratory at the National Wildlife Research Centre (CNRF) in Ottawa. The laboratory conducts research that focuses on the environmental effects of contaminants on plants and animals, including terrestrial invertebrates. Some measurements will be made at the University of Ottawa and at Carleton University. The student will work under the supervision of researchers specialized in toxicology and physiology.

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.

You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Other qualifications may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed. Some essential and other qualifications will be assessed through your application. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate examples that illustrate how you meet each qualification. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

EDUCATION

Enrolled in a doctoral degree program in Biology at a recognized post-secondary academic institution with specialization in chemical and environmental toxicology.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE

Experience working in environmental toxicology.

Experience carrying out dose-response experiments in toxicology.

Experience doing research with invertebrates.

Experience measuring physiological and metabolic parameters in invertebrates.

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Willingness to manipulate grasshoppers for laboratory experiments.

Ability and willingness to work flexible hours.

Must be able to start December 1st 2017 and finish March 29th 2019.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of metal toxicity and of advance statistics is necessary

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance - Note: Each student hired through the Research Affiliate Program (RAP) must meet the security requirements of the position as a condition of employment. Therefore, the student will be asked by the hiring organization to complete security-related documents.

Other information

Reference checks will be sought.

An interview may be administered.

A test may be administered.

A situational exercise may be administered.

You must provide proof of your education credentials.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.

A random and/or top down selection of candidates may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.

Candidates from outside the public service may be required to pay for travel and relocation costs associated with this selection process.

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.

For this selection process, it is our intention to communicate with candidates via email for screening and assessment purposes. This will include communication of screening results and invitations to written tests and interviews. To that end, candidates must include a valid email address in their application. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure that this address is functional and that it accepts messages from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email). It is also the candidate’s responsibility to ensure accurate information is provided and updated as required.

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce reflective of Canadian society. As a result, it promotes employment equity and encourages candidates to indicate voluntarily on their application if they are a woman, an Aboriginal person, a person with a disability or a member of a visible minority group.

The Public Service of Canada is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or testing, you should advise the Public Service Commission or the departmental official in a timely fashion of the accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Preference

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.