Research Scientist

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

Our intention is to communicate with candidates through emails and/or through the www.canada.ca/government-jobs applicant account. Candidates participating in this selection process must include in their application a valid email address.

Persons are entitled to participate in the selection process in the official language(s) of their choice.

Duties

The successful candidate will undertake research activities that will generate new knowledge related to marine mammals in one or more of the fields involving population dynamics, ecology, predator prey-relationships, or spatial use. This knowledge will improve our understanding of the role that marine mammals play in the marine ecosystem and will contribute to informing managers in making management decisions supported by science in one or more of the following areas such as harvest management, impacts of industrial development, fisheries interactions, spatial planning. The position involves working in the laboratory and in the field, with a diverse range of clients.

Intent of the process

As a result of this process, a pool of candidates will be created to fill similar or identical positions with different tenures and linguistic profiles within Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 2,000 words (maximum) "Applicants must clearly demonstrate in their application how they meet the education and experience criteria outlined in the essential qualifications. Applicants must use each essential education and experience criteria as a header and then write one or two paragraphs for each criteria demonstrating how they meet the required education and experience. Please note that it is not sufficient to state simply that the requirement is met or to provide a list of current responsibilities; rather the candidate must provide concrete examples that illustrate HOW, WHERE and WHEN (DD- MM-YYYY to DD-MM-YYYY) they met the requirement. Résumés may be used as a secondary source to validate the qualifications described; comments such as "refer to my attached resume" are to be avoided."

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 the natural sciences related to the duties of the position (e.g. ecology, mathematics, statistics, marine biology…)

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE
Experience as first author in writing and publishing scientific articles for the primary literature or scientific reports.
Experience in modeling or quantitative analyses of complex biological data (as evidenced in multiple publications or methodologies).
Experience in conducting independent research on marine or terrestrial vertebrates.
Experience in presenting research findings at scientific meetings or workshops.

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

Various language requirements
Bilingual Imperative BBB/BBB, French or English Essential, etc.
The language requirement will vary according to the position to staff.

Information on language requirements

Second Language Writing Skills Self-Assessment
In order to help you decide if you should apply to a bilingual position, an optional self-assessment of your writing skills in your second official language is available for you to take before completing your application.

For more information, please consult:
Unsupervised Internet Test of Second Language Writing Skills

KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of the methods used in quantitative analysis of ecological data.
Knowledge of experimental design and the development of ecosystem research programs.

ABILITIES
Ability to address biological and ecological questions using a quantitative framework.
Ability to communicate effectively orally.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
Ability to design and carry out independent and collaborative scientific research.
Ability to produce high quality peer-reviewed research.
Ability to manage scientific projects and teams

PERSONAL SUITABILITY
Initiative
Judgement
Dependability
Results Oriented
Leadership
Effective interpersonal skills

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

EXPERIENCE
Experience developing one or more of the following types of models: population dynamics modelling, ecosystem modelling, energetics modelling, predator-prey relationships (e.g. diet modelling), life-history modelling, habitat-based modelling, spatial analyses, Bayesian statistics.
Experience designing, leading and conducting research or field work to obtain valid data for one or more of the types of models listed above.
Experience in working with software for statistical analyses, modelling and/or spatial analyses (e.g. R, JAGS, ADM model builder, TMB, ARC GIS).
Experience in research on population dynamics, biology and ecology of marine mammals.
Experience in research on reproduction, recruitment processes, and/or early life history of vertebrates.
Experience in leading scientific teams, including managing financial, human and material resources.
Experience designing and conducting research to assess the impacts of anthropogenic activities on marine species.
Experience evaluating scientific results and communicating scientific issues, findings or technical information to non-experts such as industry, indigenous organizations and/or stakeholder groups.
Experience in contributing to the work of multidisciplinary groups.
Experience in writing funding applications.
Experience in working in polar regions.
Experience in working with indigenous peoples.

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Willingness and ability to:
-travel for extended periods of time;
-travel by a variety of modes: snowmobiles, vehicle, vessel or aircraft;
-work aboard various platforms including helicopters, planes, and boats of various sizes;
-work in harsh conditions on vessels or in remote field settings;
-work in the field in remote areas for up to 6 weeks per year and travel for up to 12 weeks per year as required;
-modify work hours to fit the program schedule or requirements.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Physical fitness in accordance with Health Canada certification.
Valid drivers licence
Willingness and ability to:
-obtain a Firearms Acquisition Certificate.
-travel in Canada and internationally.
-work in the field for up to 6 consecutive weeks per year and to travel for up to 12 weeks per year as required.
-work from small planes, helicopters or boats of various sizes in isolated regions.

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

If applicable, you will have to provide proof of your original education credentials when requested.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans and to Canadian citizens, in that order, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

Information on the preference to veterans

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