Research Assistant - Research Affiliate Program

Update: UPDATE: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to January 25, 2021 - 23:59, Pacific Time.

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 duties of the candidate includes:
- Help in animal preparation at the farm (i.e., weighing of pigs, tagging, saliva samples collection, heart rate monitors installation)
- Help in the behaviour data collection, handling of ambient temperature and relative humidity recording devices, and equipment for carcass and meat quality evaluation.
- Help in blood sampling (farm and abattoir) and meat quality assessment at the abattoir
- Help in data downloading and compilation
- Analysis of blood (CK, lactate, cortisol and hematocrit) at the laboratory.

Work environment

Research will be conducted at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre (Sherbrooke, QC, Canada) in collaboration with the University of Guelph (ON, Canada) and University of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon, SK). The student will be based in Sherbrooke.

The projects (Transport of pigs - #2712 and Heavy pigs - #2736) were funded with the possibility of hiring students on a part-time basis. We are looking for a candidate for a part-time position to study 1) the truck ambient conditions in three trailer models under different climate and transport conditions, and behavior, physiology and carcass and meat quality of pigs; 2) behavior and physiology of pigs of two body weights handled in different group size during a simulated loading for transport.

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 in a Master program in a recognized post-secondary academic institution with specialization in: Animal Science.

Degree equivalency

Experience working at a farm and abattoir.
Experience in animal handling.
Experience in data and sample collection.
Experience in meat quality assessment.

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

English or French

Information on language requirements

Knowledge on livestock production and meat science.
Knowledge on animal welfare.
Knowledge on behavior/physiology of livestock.

Interactive communication
Teamwork
Writing skills
Adaptability
Analytical thinking

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

Ability and Willingness to work with animals.
Ability and willingness to cope with animal slaughtering and cold temperatures.
Ability and willingness to adhere to laboratory safety standards and procedures.

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 work overtime, if needed.
Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication and this must not impinge upon the duties to be performed.
Ability and willingness to handle large animals (pigs).

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 1-800-645-5605.

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.