Research Assistant - Research Affiliate Program

Update: UPDATE: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to August 16th, 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).

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

- To build a mobile unit equipped with sensors and imaging devices for use in capturing plant height of field grown wheat plants.
- To measure, process and analyze plant height data.
- To perform programming, analyse and annotate plant data using programming software and build prediction models for plant height.
- To summarize and interpret results in the format of scientific manuscript(s) to be published in recognized peer-reviewed journal(s).
- To write research reports and present the research findings at workshops or conferences, or other scientific meetings.
- To write and defend a Master thesis; wherein, the report of the work carried out during the Master project is reported.

Work environment

The research project will be conducted in conjunction with Dalhousie University – Truro Campus in Truro, Nova Scotia and the Swift Current Research and Development Centre in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. The research will be conducted at the laboratory facilities at Department of Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, Nova Scotia and the field application research will be conducted at AAFC, Swift Current Research and Development Centre in Swift Current, Saskatchewan during the summer.

Positions to be filled: 1

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

EDUCATION

A Bachelor’s degree in electrical/computer/mechatronics engineering (BE) or similar background and knowledge in programming and controls.
Currently accepted or eligible to enroll in the Masters in Engineering program at the Department of Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture Dalhousie University, Truro, Nova Scotia.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE

Experience in field and/or laboratory working with sensors and control systems.
Experience in programming, controls and analyzing captured data.
Experience working with electrical/computer/mechatronics engineering instruments.
Experience in conducting literature review, preparing written reports, and presentations.

*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

Knowledge of electrical / computer / mechatronics engineering.
Knowledge of working with sensors, programming and controls.
Knowledge of plant trait measurements.
Knowledge of data analyses.

COMPETENCIES

Interactive communication
Initiative
Adaptability
Teamwork

ABILITIES

Ability to work with wheat plants.
Ability to collect plant data with sensors, programming and controls.
Ability to summarize and interpret sensor data.

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

Ability and willingness to travel for field work (Swift Current, SK) and program courses (Dalhousie University, Truro Campus).

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 work overtime.
Ability and willingness to work under minimum supervision.
Ability and willingness to work in the field under rain, heat, cold, windy, dusty and noisy conditions.
Ability and willingness, under normal safety precautions, to work with hazardous materials.
Ability and willingness to do repetitive tasks.
Ability and willingness to work on the project involving sensors and control systems for plant height detection in wheat.
Known allergies must be controlled through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication and must not impinge upon the duties to be performed.

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.