M.Sc. or PhD Student - 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

Loss of productivity due to soil degradation is a primary limitation to agricultural production in intensively managed arable cropping systems, and soil degradation makes production systems less resilient and more susceptible to climatic variation. This position will focus on the critical role of soil organic matter management in influencing soil health, and in enhancing the resiliency of agricultural production systems. The incumbent will examine the effects of soil, crop and land-use (e.g. cropping systems, conservation tillage, water management), soil properties and climatic conditions on soil organic matter dynamics within the soil-plant-animal-atmosphere system with the aim of identifying management strategies to build soil health, reduce soil degradation and sustain productivity within agricultural landscapes in the context of variable climatic conditions.

Work environment

Located in the west-central portion of the province of New Brunswick along the Saint John River, the AAFC Fredericton Research and Development Center (FRDC) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science in agriculture. The FRDC was established in 1912 and current research consists in developing and evaluating environmentally sustainable ways to farm lands for crop production in New Brunswick.

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)

Currently enrolled or willing to be enrolled in a MSc or PhD program in a recognized post-secondary institution in soil science, natural resources, agronomy, environmental science or other relevant discipline.

Degree equivalency

Experience in performing laboratory studies to analyse soil.

Documented scientific productivity/recognition in the form of authorship/editorship/honors thesis of research results in the area of soil organic matter and/or soil health, or other relevant discipline, in recognized journals and/or published reports, books, papers, or other communications resulting from scientific research.

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 essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of soil organic matter and/or soil health in forest or agricultural production systems.

Teamwork
Adaptability

Ability to make presentations to varied audiences.

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

The Fredericton Research and Development Center is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regards to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, or genetic information within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations.

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 travel.
Ability and willingness to work in laboratory, greenhouse, and/or field environments for extended periods at a time.
Ability and willingness to work with plants in the laboratory, field, greenhouse or growth chamber.
Ability and willingness to work with chemicals.
Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication without impinging on the duties to be performed.
Ability and willingness to work with hazardous chemicals and pesticides using appropriate safety equipment after receiving suitable training.
Ability and willingness to work in field plots with rough, uneven terrain, where agricultural amendments and pesticides (in accordance with safety standards and label specifications) are used.

Possession of a valid driver’s license or personal mobility to the extent normally associated with the possession of a valid driver’s license.

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 the email referenced below under “Contact Information”.

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.