Research Assistant - Research Affiliate Program

Update: **AMENDMENT TO CLOSING DATE**

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

AMENDMENT TO CLOSING DATE

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 of the candidate includes:
- Operate lab-scale digester (should follow the protocol designed by the project team) to treat chicken/dairy manures.
- Monitor the performance of the digesters in terms of methane production and quality, VFA and other significant analysis
- Trouble-shooting ability to recover the inhibitions during the process
- Interpretation of data and reporting to supervisor every fortnight.
- Collaborating with nutrient recovery project team within this project structure

Work environment

Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre are specialized in innovative research primarily for the Canadian dairy and swine industries. Research is also conducted to reduce the greenhouse gas contribution associated with livestock production. The Centre is working towards developing an anaerobic fermentation system for animal waste. The key feature of this system is that it can function at low temperatures. It is a bilingual environment, however, the language exercised in the scientific tasks is in English.

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 a Doctoral program in a recognize post-secondary academic institution with specialization in Environmental Engineering/Science.

Degree equivalency

Experience* working with wastewater and energy recovery from organic wastes.

*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 or French

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of operating lab-scale digesters.

Knowledge of analyzing physio-chemical properties of wastewater and interpret data using the appropriate software.

Knowledge on N-recovery/removal

Knowledge of laboratory safety practices.

Interactive communication
Teamwork
Writing skills
Adaptability
Analytical thinking

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

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

Information on employment equity

Operational Requirements:

Ability and willingness to work with animal manures

Ability and willingness to move or lift up to 20 kg

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.

Ability and willingness to adhere to laboratory safety standards and procedures

Ability and willingness to work overtime, if needed

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.