Graduate Research Assistant – Biomass Futures - 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

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice. Applicants are asked to indicate their preferred official language in their application.

Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required. Candidates who apply to this selection process should include an email address that accepts email from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email).

Duties

The duties for the position involve:
1) performing a phenological literature review,
2) developing a risk model, using approaches developed in previous work on conventional agricultural crops with a regional scenario model (Envision), and
3) through environmental and crop performance runs using historic and projected climate data, assess the performance and sustainability of biomass crops under variable weather conditions in select areas of Canada.

Other duties involve presentation of findings at meetings or conferences and writing reports and manuscripts.

Work environment

The work for this position involves developing a phenological risk model for Canadian biomass crops to define thresholds and production/growth under variable climate conditions. The work will provide new information regarding the potential of biomass crops to producers and policy makers, and to provide information for possible risk mitigation on Canadian farms and production systems.

The duties will be carried out at the University of Guelph, the Ottawa Research and Development Centre (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) and Carleton University. All work will be done in concert with an established project team, under the supervision of Drs. Naresh Thevathasan (UGuelph), Scott Mitchell (CalretonU) and Salim Silim (AAFC). The student will participate in the planning of studies to answer research hypothesis. S/he will be responsible for executing the study along with writing scientific manuscripts. The student will present the findings at national conference/meetings.

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

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

Currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program at the School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph with specialization in agricultural biomass systems. Preference will be given to students enrolled in a PhD program.

Degree equivalency

Experience* in the planning, design and measurements of field studies on biomass crops and/or agronomy field studies.

Experience* writing reports and manuscripts.

Experience* in statistical analysis.

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

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of Canadian biomass crops.

Knowledge of statistical methods.

Knowledge of general agronomic practices in different regions of Ontario.

Interactive communication
Analytical thinking

Ability to plan studies to answer research questions.

Ability to write scientific manuscripts and technical reports.

Ability to present findings at meetings and conferences.

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

Ability to learn programming.

Selection may be limited to members of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women

Information on employment equity

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.

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

Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. You must apply on-line through www.jobs.gc.ca.

Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact 1-800-645-5605.

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.

Preference

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

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