Research Assistant - Research Affiliate Program

Update: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to April 1, 2019 - 23:59, Pacific Time.

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

AAFC is committed to diversity and inclusion and is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s best diversity employers. We welcome all applicants and strongly encourage candidates to self-declare if they belong to an Employment Equity designated group (i.e. Aboriginal Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, Visible Minorities or Women).

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.

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

Currently enrolled in a Master’s program in a recognize post-secondary academic institution with specialization in Environmental Engineering/Applied Science.

Degree equivalency

Experience working with wastewater and energy recovery from organic wastes.

Note: 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 of laboratory safety practices.

Knowledge on design of integrated wastewater treatment systems

- Interactive communication
- Teamwork
- Writing skills
- Adaptability
- Analytical thinking

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

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

- 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 designated 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.