Master’s or doctorate 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

The student will carry out a life cycle analysis of the Canadian swine sector by simulating various scenarios to obtain environmentally friendly solutions for swine production;
Collect and analyze data from the Canadian swine industry;
Carry out simulations;
Carry out statistical analyses;
Draft communications and scientific reports.

Work environment

The student’s team will work on the development of sustainable precision feeding for swine. The research is based on reducing the environmental impact of swine production while remaining profitable for swine producers and taking into account the well-being of the animals.
The Sherbrooke RDC is the only AAFC research centre that is dedicated exclusively to dairy and swine production. Specializing in a number of different disciplines in the areas of livestock, nutrition, functional genomics, agro-environmental processes, the study of behaviour and meat quality, the centre’s research teams are able to conduct both fundamental and applied research to gain insight into and develop solutions to issues related to livestock production.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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

Currently enrolled or willing to enroll in a Master’s program at a recognized post-secondary academic institution with a specialization in Animal Science or equivalent.

Degree equivalency

Experience in swine production;
Experience in the collection and analysis of data from animals;
Experience in data management, processing and analysis (e.g., meta-analysis, modelling, life cycle analysis);
Experience in drafting scientific communications (e.g., summaries, posters, articles).

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

English or French

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of the methods of swine production;
Knowledge of the concepts and principles of animal nutrition and the composition of animal food;
Knowledge of precision feeding concepts and principles, for swine.

*define in-depth

Adaptability
Initiative
Interactive communication
Planning and organizing
Work well independently or as part of a team
Ability to write

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

Computer skills
Knowledge of programming and data processing software (Minitab, Python, Excel macros (VBA), R, SAS or equivalent) and willingness to use SimaPro.

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.

Possess a valid driver’s licence or have personal mobility to an extent associated with the possession of a valid driver’s licence.
Willingness and ability to work overtime, as needed.
Willingness and ability to travel occasionally.
Ability and willingness to work in laboratories, pilot plants and facilities in the private sector.
Ability and willingness to work in fields and barns.
Ability and willingness to work with strong odours (slurry, manure, sludge).
Ability and willingness to work with laboratory animals and large farm animals.
Ability and willingness to work in a confined environment, comply with instructions and apply established procedures.
Ability and willingness to work with samples of human or animal origin or environment, which may contain unknown pathogens.
Ability and willingness to take and/or handle a range of samples (including, without limitation thereto, feces, tissue, body fluids, organs, meat, fruits, vegetables, environmental samples) from production systems, slaughterhouses, processing plants, field trials and clinical trials.
Ability and willingness to work with acids and strong bases.

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.