Research Assistant- Big Data and Predictive Analytics - 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

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

Conduct innovative research in support of a collaborate research project entitled, "Climate-smart agriculture: Big­ data analysis to investigate what management practices work" to provide a better understanding of which regions and cropping systems are most vulnerable to climate change, and which farm characteristics or
management practices can help mitigate future risk.

Assimilate and manipulate large datasets at both regional and farm scales on weather, crop yields, and farm management practices for the three Prairie Provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba), devising and testing predictive statistical models to explore which management practices may help alleviate climate risks. This will involve: 1) deriving high­ resolution crop-yield indices from satellite data, and 2) conducting a multi-scale analysis of crop resilience to climate change.

Duties include travel for project work, progress meetings, to present findings at scientific workshops/conferences.

Work environment

Day-to-day work will take place at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver) and the Summerland Research and Development Centre, a Government of Canada research facility. The Summerland Research and Development Centre was established in 1914, in the heart of the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. Research at the Centre is focused on building resilient and profitable agricultural (e.g., horticultural) production systems.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 3 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 or will be enrolled in full-time in a Doctoral Program in Graduate Studies in the University of British Columbia with specialization in the field of natural resources, sustainability, and environmental studies. Preference will be given to students who have taken advanced courses/training in data mining, analytics, and predictive modeling by date of appointment.

Degree equivalency

Experience in manipulating large data sets
Experience in scientific programming with R Statistical Language, SAS, Python
Experience in scientific reporting/writing;
Experience in model application to economics/risk assessment

*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 of statistics/probability and agriculture; predictive modeling methods

Planning and organizing
Creativity and innovation
Initiative
Effective interpersonal relations (interdisciplinary team)

Ability to communicate effectively in writing
Ability to communicate effectively orally
Ability to manipulate/analyze large data sets
Ability to handle multiple tasks/activities
Ability to work independently
Ability to prepare scientific manuscripts

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 (1 progress meeting per year, 1 national/international conference)

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 hours including evenings and weekends

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.