Research Scientist - Quantitative systems ecologist

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

The client organization will accept applications on-line only.
Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact 1-800-645-5605 and press '0' for assistance.
To submit an application on-line, please select the button "Apply Online" below

***Information to be provided in your application must include Resume and a List of Publications.***
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*Sliding area of selection:

When it is uncertain where the pool of potential applicants is, a geographic area of
selection may be established with an indication that a larger geographic area of selection may be used if there is an insufficient number of applicants from the smaller geographic area.

Should an insufficient number of applicants be identified, within the above "who can apply" section, then persons residing outside Canada will be eligible for consideration in this process. Therefore, we encourage all candidates to apply.

If you live outside Canada and are not a Canadian citizen, please note that you must possess at a minimum, a valid work permit to temporarily work in Canada. Permanent resident status is required for full-time permanent work in Canada. Therefore, if you are interested in working in Canada, it would be best to visit the Citizenship and Immigration Coming to Canada document. You may also contact your local Canadian embassy for more information on immigration.

Duties

We are seeking one (1) research scientist with the expertise and experience to develop and lead a research program in the field of Quantitative Systems Ecology. The programs will include the application of advanced statistical, mathematical, and geospatial tools to better understand and address issues in freshwater systems as well as the development and advancement of statistics and experimental design. One position will focus on the transport, transformation and effects of contaminants on aquatic systems, while another will focus on aquatic nutrient cycling and lower trophic community dynamics. The successful candidate will provide scientific advice and transfer knowledge to assist decision makers in maintaining and restoring aquatic ecosystems. They will work closely with multidisciplinary groups of scientists, including limnologists, modellers, and biogeochemists within ECCC as well as from other governmental organizations and academia.

Work environment

The position will work within the Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division (WHERD) at the Canada Centre for Inland Waters in Burlington, ON.

CCIW was created in 1967 in Burlington, Ontario. Nestled on the shores of Hamilton Harbour, CCIW provides a perfect base for Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) scientists working on the Great Lakes and beyond. In close proximity to many of Canada’s top universities, provincial ministries and other federal government departments, CCIW offers a multitude of potential fruitful collaborations to work on topical issues facing our freshwater ecosystems.

The centre houses a wide range of specialized laboratories, including a state-of-the-art Aquatic Life Research Facility and a hydraulics wing with flumes, a large research support group (electronics and engineering) and the ISO-certified National Laboratory for Environmental Testing. ECCC scientists at CCIW work nationally and internationally on aquatic research and development to find ways of sustaining our freshwater ecosystems. Through ecosystem-based research, ECCC uses its scientific knowledge to develop government policies and programs for public decision-making and to aid in identifying environmental problems. Scientists at CCIW provide peer-reviewed advice and support to government decision-making on a broad range of aquatic ecosystem issues, including climate change, hydrology, nutrients, harmful algal blooms, water availability, and emerging issues such as antimicrobial resistance and microplastics.

The Public Service of Canada has the reputation of being one of the best public service organizations in the world. As public servants, we are responsible for upholding the public trust and serving Canadians, their communities, and the public interest under the direction of the elected government and in accordance with the law. For more information about ECCC and what it means to be a public servant, we invite you to review the Ministerial Briefing Book for the department and the latest Annual Report to the Prime Minister on the Public Service of Canada by the Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet as well as the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector.

We strongly believe that our reputation is founded on our Public Service values and ethics. At ECCC, we are committed to bring to life the Public Service values and ethics in all our practices and interactions with one another. Respect and integrity are of great importance to us!

Come join ECCC and help us protect and restore the environment for all generations to come!

Intent of the process

The immediate need is to staff one indeterminate position in Burlington (Ontario)

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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

Education:
• Graduation with an acceptable doctoral degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a field of natural sciences or field related to the duties of the position.

• Scientific Productivity/Recognition:
Productivity or recognition is required for all positions in the Research Scientist sub-group (SE-RES) (Revised October 1, 1999).

Productivity or recognition includes developmental work leading to the issue of patents, copyrights, or the creation of improved varieties, functions, or designs, and/or recognition by the professional community of the research environment. It also refers to recognized achievement in the form of authorship and editorship of published or unpublished reports, books, papers, or other communications resulting from:
a) Research, experimental development, or tasking associated with operational equipment and problems;
b) Operational research and scientific analysis;
c) Planning, analysis and evaluation of Canadian and foreign programs in research and development.

Candidates should indicate clearly how they meet the productivity and recognition requirements of the position.

Degree equivalency

Essential Qualifications - Experience :
• Recent* and significant** research experience in the field of quantitative ecology as it relates to the duties of the position.
• Experience contributing to the development of modified or novel approaches or theories or models or concepts or ideas or solutions in the application of complex multivariate statistical approaches to reveal patterns in the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems changes.
• Experience contributing to new knowledge through research leading to advancements in the field of aquatic ecology.
• Experience conducting independent post-doctoral+ research in a relevant field related to this position.

*Recent defined as last 5 years.
**Significant defined as at least 2 years.
+Post-doctoral is defined broadly as conducted after the successful completion of PhD degree.

Essential Qualifications - Abilities:
• Ability to present scientific information to various audiences, orally and in writing.
• Ability to assess the pertinence of your research and how it can support the GoC environmental priorities

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

Asset Qualifications
• Experience writing research grant applications or proposals as principal investigator/co-investigator.
• Experience interacting with governments (e.g. provincial, municipal, First Nations), industry or other stakeholders.
• Experience in working with multidisciplinary teams to compile and analyze data to advance understanding of lower trophic aquatic populations, food-weds, or ecosystem dynamics.

Operational Requirements:
• Valid driver's license.
• Willing and able to be away from home for one or two weeks at a time on work- related travel
• Willing and able to work in the laboratory and in the field under less than ideal conditions (e.g., inclement weather).

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Essential Qualifications - Knowledge:
• Broad knowledge of aquatic ecosystem dynamics and ecosystem responses to environmental stressors (e.g. climate change and/or nutrients and/or land use).
• In depth knowledge of statistical and computational principles and tools, as well as their application and methodological limitations in the context of aquatic ecosystems research projects.

Essential Qualifications - Compentencies:
• Strategic thinking
• Mobilize people
• Adaptability/Flexibility
• Interpersonal skills

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

Asset Qualification Ability:
• Ability to understand the role of a researcher as a federal Public Servant.

ORGANIZATIONAL NEEDS:

Environment and Climate Change Canada is committed to having a skilled and diversified workforce representative of the population we serve. In support of our Engagement Strategy to achieve employment equity goals, consideration may be given to candidates self-identifying as belonging to one of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal peoples, Persons with a Disability, Visible Minorities and Women.

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

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.

Candidates must meet the essential qualifications to be appointed to a position.

Asset experience could be used at the screening stage. Please ensure that you clearly indicate with concrete examples how you meet theses qualifications.

Several methods of assessment may be used to assess potential candidates (written exam, interview, reference check, etc.).

Important note: If you do not fully complete the screening questions as instructed, you may be screened out.


Acknowledgment of receipt of applications will not be sent; we will contact candidates when the screening process is completed.

If you are already working for the Public Service, please clearly identify your substantive group and level, your employment status, and PRI on your application.

Successful candidate(s) will be required to provide proof of their education credentials, in the form of a diploma or official transcript (original documents only). Candidates with foreign credentials must provide proof of Canadian equivalency. Consult the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials for further information at http://www.cicic.ca/.

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.

Our intention is to communicate with the candidates by email. Candidates who apply to this selection process must include in their application a valid email address and make sure that this address is functional at all times and accepts messages from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email).

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans and to Canadian citizens, in that order.

Information on the preference to veterans

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