Biologist in Aquatic Ecology – Research Affiliate Program - Research Affiliate Program

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Assessment accommodation

Duties

Carry out a research project examining the bioaccumulation of micro-plastics in the freshwater food webs (three trophic levels) of the St. Lawrence River, and the degree to which different global warming scenarios may alter the degree of bioaccumulation. Help design and implement a field season where water and aquatic organisms will be collected for further experimental analysis. Develop an experimental design that will cross three factors: 1) the exposure to micro-plastics, 2) different degrees of predation and/ or competition, and 3) different water temperatures (future warming scenarios). Ensure the maintenance and proper functioning of the field sampling and laboratory experiments, in accordance with good laboratory practices and standards of field operations. Ensure the smooth running of quality control operations. Perform numerical analysis of data using statistical programs (example, R language). Interpret results and write scientific articles for publication.

Work environment

In general, this project will fall under ACRD’s mandate focused on identifying the cumulative impacts of climate change, invasive species and eutrophication on the health and stability of aquatic ecosystems.

The work will be carried out mainly at the Environment and Climate change Canada office in Montreal in the laboratories, offices and adjacent field, under the direction and supervision of a scientific research team. Field studies will be carried out in the St. Lawrence River. Environment and Climate change Canada will cover travel costs to the sampling sites.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 2 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)

Must be enrolled in a doctoral program in a recognized post-secondary institution with full-time student status in one of the following disciplines: Biology, Environmental Science or any other relevant scientific discipline.

Degree equivalency

Minimum of two years experience in sampling water, sediments and aquatic organisms in apnea, scuba diving, aboard a research vessel and using fishing equipment (e.g., gillnets, trap).

Minimum of two years experience related to the design and execution of fieldwork as well as aquarium-based laboratory experiments (in order to examine the degree of bioaccumulation of micro-plastics in aquatic organism as a function of dosage.

Experience in preparing datasets, analyzing data (e.g., R programming language) and writing manuscripts and/ or scientific reports.

With respect to the recruitment of students to the federal public service, please note that experience can be gained through education, work experience or volunteer activities.

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

Bilingual - Imperative
English or French essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of aquatic communities and issues related to biodiversity (losses in the face of ongoing anthropogenic and climatic change).

Knowledge of the collection and handling of water samples and aquatic organisms for the purpose of bioaccumulation analysis.

Knowledge of the spatio-temporal complexity of the study region (the St. Lawrence Seaway; historical variability due to invasive species, and spatial heterogeneity due to interactions with different tributaries and urban discharges along the river continuum).

Ability to analyze data as well as synthesize and interpret results.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Ability to work in a team, manage time, be independent, rigorous and have good judgment.

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

Operational experience:

The candidate must have the ability to collect samples in the field during irregular hours.

Followed a boating safety course approved by Transport Canada

Followed a course or training allowing to carry out experiments on live fish including "Experimental Fish" offered by the Canadian Council for the Protection of Animals (CCPA).

Hold a valid driver's license.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance - Note: Each student hired under the Research Affiliate Program (RAP) must meet the security requirements of the position as a condition of employment. Therefore, the hiring organization will ask the student to fill out security documents.

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

The client organization will accept applications on-line only. All job applications must therefore be submitted through the Public service jobs website. To submit an application on-line, please select the button “Apply Online” below. Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact 1-800-645-5605.

Reference checks will be sought.

An interview may be administered.

A test may be administered.

You must provide proof of your education credentials.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.

Candidates from outside the public service may be required to pay for travel and relocation costs associated with this selection process.

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.