Environmental Epidemiologist - 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 specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Assessment accommodation

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.

- Before applying, the candidates must verify with their academic supervisor or department head that they will be authorized to conduct research work in an off-campus office.

- The student must be willing to start the work term in June 2019. It is expected that the student work 20 hours per week. The duration for this work term is for a 12 month period (ending June 2020). Teleworking opportunities may be explored.

- The candidate's RAP research activities must be aligned with their Masters or PhD Program that is being conducted to fulfill degree requirements at a recognized post-secondary institution. Research may be conducted in English or French.

Duties

The Population Studies Division of the Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada applies methods of epidemiology and biostatistics to increase knowledge of adverse health effects of exposures to harmful environmental chemicals. The Division conducts research that contributes to evidence-based decisions on key areas such as exposure assessment, vulnerable populations and health impacts. In addition to conducting research, scientists and professionals support the development of policies, standards, and guidelines for health protection, and contribute to the analysis of current and emerging risks to health.

The specific area of research for this position entails an evaluation of the health effects of early life exposure to various environmental chemicals in pregnant women and/or their infants/children.

As a Research Affiliate Program environmental epidemiology student, the student will be expected to:

- Conduct literature reviews and write critical summaries of the literature
- Develop a research question and data analysis plan
- Provide assistance with management of databases
- Conduct statistical analyses of research data
- Contribute to the interpretation of results
- Lead the writing of manuscripts describing the research conducted

The challenges will be to quickly understand the operational requirements for conducting ethical research on human subjects within the federal government and to show initiative to assist with research activities. The student will be expected, and will have the opportunity, to work independently and with a diverse team of internal and external researchers.

Work environment

The work will be conducted at the Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada located at 101 Tunney’s Pasture Driveway in Ottawa, Ontario.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 5,000 words (maximum) "Please outline your suitability for this position and your research interests. Note that this will be used to evaluate your ability to communicate effectively in writing. A list of the graduate courses you have taken, your marks for these courses, as well as any courses that you are taking now, or that you will be taking this academic year."

Contact information for 2 references.

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

Education:

Current enrolment in a Masters or Doctoral program in epidemiology at a recognized Canadian post-secondary university.

Degree equivalency

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

Experience:

- Experience conducting statistical analysis of research data using SAS or R, including multivariate logistic and linear regression modelling.
- Experience in analyzing, reviewing and interpreting scientific data, literature and/or information.
- Experience in writing and summarizing scientific data and information.

Personal Abilities:

- Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Personal Abilities:

- Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Personal Suitability:

- Respectful of Diversity

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

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

Experience (Asset):

- Experience in data management, including merging large datasets, data cleaning, and creating derived variables.

Knowledge (Asset):

- Knowledge of several environmental chemicals, sources and routes of exposure, and known health effects.

Personal Suitability (Asset):

- Well organized
- Initiative
- Teamwork

Abilities (Asset):

- Ability to work with minimal supervision.

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 designated groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

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.

Preference

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

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