Research Assistant - Research Affiliate Program

Important messages

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Assessment accommodation

Duties

This candidate will execute laboratory experiments, performing metabolic (physiological) analyses on pairs of bivalves (Mya arenaria, Mya truncata) which are native and potentially invasive to Arctic waters. These experiments may be used to complement risk assessments, predict range changes and understand potential of establishment in the Canadian Arctic.

The applicant may be assisting with setting up physiology labs in Arctic field environments and working in Northern communities. Challenges may be found in doing experimental work out of remote locations, troubleshooting lab equipment and navigating language and cultural differences in the Canadian North. Also, academic advisors are not all located onsite in Quebec, which may pose challenges in communication.

Work environment

The candidate will primarily work out of the University of Quebec at Rimouski (UQAR), Department of Biology, Chemistry and Geography and the Institute Maurice Lamontagne (IML), Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Mont-Joli, Quebec, but will interact closely with a research team (including academic co-advisor) from the Arctic and Aquatic Research Division, Freshwater Institute (FWI), Winnipeg, Manitoba.

UQAR Department of Biology, Chemistry and Geography has a program that excels in marine and northern science research including studies related to terrestrial and aquatic fauna, evolutionary biology, forest ecology, ecophysiology and molecular ecology with over 25 faculty.

IML is one of the leading French-speaking centers for marine science research in the world, performing work in two major sectors: ocean sciences and aquatic ecosystem management. Their mission is to provide the federal government with a sound science base for the conservation and sustainable management of marine resources and aquatic ecosystems, the protection of the marine environment and safe navigation.
FWI is the main center for arctic research within Fisheries and Oceans with a science program that focusses on providing advice on management prevention of aquatic invasive species, management of fisheries, and conservation and protection of freshwater and arctic aquatic species and their habitats.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 2 references.

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

The student must be enrolled or willing to enroll full time in a Master’s program at the University of Quebec at Rimouski (UQAR) Department of Biology, Chemistry and Geography with a specialization in Biology (related to Marine Biology, Invertebrate Biology, Physiology, and Metabolomics) for the duration of the position.

Maintaining your student status is a condition of employment. Once you have defended your thesis you are no longer eligible for the program.

Degree equivalency

Experience working with live marine ectotherms.
Experience performing experimental lab-based trials.
Experience collecting biological samples in a field setting.
Experience collecting, tabulating, analyzing or reporting scientific information.
*In the context of student recruitment in the federal public service, experience can be acquired through 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 methods for measuring physiological responses in marine ectotherms.

Teamwork
Attention to Detail
Dependability

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance - *Note: Each student hired through the Research Affiliate Program (RAP) must meet the security requirements of the position as a condition of employment. Therefore, the student will be asked by the hiring organization to complete security-related documents.

Willing to obtain valid Health Canada Medical Assessment if needed.
Student must be accepted in a Master’s program at UQAR Department of Biology, Chemistry and Geography. Maintaining your student status is a condition of employment. Once you have defended your thesis you are no longer eligible for the program.
Travel and willingness to work from remote areas for up to a month at a time if necessary (may include small aircraft and boats).
Work on evenings and weekends on occasion.

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

Preference

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

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