Research Assistant - Research Affiliate Program

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 special accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Information on accommodation for persons with disabilities

To be considered for Research Affiliate Program (RAP) work opportunities, you must meet the following criteria:

-Be recognized as having full-time student status by the post-secondary academic institution at which you are currently enrolled (proof will be required);

-Be the minimum age to work in the province or territory where the job is located; and

-BEFORE applying, the candidates must verify with their academic supervisor and department head that they will be authorized by their university to conduct their research residency in an off-campus laboratory. Arrangements may be required by the sponsoring university in accordance to rules and regulations of the academic program.

Duties

As a research affiliate in the Mechanistic Studies Division, the student will be expected to
- Conduct literature reviews and write critical summaries of the literature
- Handle small laboratory animals such as rodents
- Safely handle chemicals
- Willing to learn novel advanced molecular and cellular toxicology techniques and generate data required to assess the human health effects of chemicals in the environment
- Understand statistical analyses of research data
- Analyse and interpret experimental data
- Contribute to reports and manuscript writing summarising the data generated

Work environment

The Environmental and Radiation Health Sciences Directorate (ERHSD) at Health Canada investigates the relationships between environmental exposures and adverse health impacts. ERHSD provides scientific data and advice to the Department of Health, other government departments, the provinces, and to the public. In addition to conducting research, the scientists and professionals of ERHSD support the development of policies, regulations, standards, and guidelines for health protection, and contribute to the analysis of current and emerging risks to health.

The Mechanistic Studies Division of the Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada applies state-of-the-art molecular and cellular toxicology tools to assess the human health risks of exposure to chemicals in the environment. The research assistant will conduct laboratory research under the supervision of a research scientist in the bureau. The projects will be aligned to the mandate and the priorities of the Environmental Health Science Research Bureau.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 5,000 words (maximum) "Candidates MUST submit their résumé and a brief description of their research project and objectives (maximum of 5000 words)."

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

By the start date (May 2018), the candidate must be eligible to be registered at a recognised Canadian University in their first year of their Master’s program for which supervised Laboratory or field research is required for graduation.

Degree equivalency

Experience

Experience working in a molecular and cellular biology laboratory
Experience in analysing, reviewing and interpreting scientific data, literature and/or other information
Experience conducting literature search
Experience in summarising scientific data and information

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

English or French

Information on language requirements

Personal Suitabilities

Ability to communicate effectively in writing
Ability to communicate effectively orally
Respectful of diversity

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

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 targeted groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

All written communication obtained throughout the selection process, from the time of application to the close of process, may be used in the assessment of the qualification ""ability to communicate effectively in writing”.

We will only accept on-line applications received via the jobs.gc.ca site. Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact 1-800-645-5605.

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.

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 further information on the Research Affiliate Program (RAP), please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service
commission/jobs/services/recruitment/students/research-affiliate-program.html.

All information pertaining to the process will be sent by email. It is therefore your responsibility to verify your email account for new communication regarding this selection process on a regular basis.

All communication and information obtained throughout the selection process, from the time of application to the close of process, may be used in the assessment of qualifications.

Candidates will be asked to provide two (2) letters of references at the interview stage.

Preference

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

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