Graduate Research Assistant - 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

Under the supervision of Dr. Q. Liu and Dr. M. Thompson, the candidate will conduct research to advance knowledge on 1) development of novel starch-based bioplastics; 2) understand the structure and property relation of Canadian pulse starches; 3) the mechanism of starch blending with other polymer and biopolymers; 4) characterization of physicochemical properties and structural of novel starch and starch-based bioplastics.

Work environment

AAFC is committed to diversity and inclusion and is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s best diversity employers. We believe our organization is most effective when it reflects the diversity of Canadian populations it serves and that achieving diversity in the workplace can start with a hiring process.

We strive to create an environment where Diversity and Inclusion are at the forefront. AAFC has five designated Diversity Networks, dedicated to ensuring that we continue to grow as an inclusive, respectful and diverse workplace. Regardless of whether you are a member of the diversity groups, all employees are welcomed to join the Networks and participate in their activities and events.

We are proud to be a workplace that embraces and values diverse perspectives, experiences and cultures. We value the unique talents and experiences of all employees. AAFC employees are given the opportunity to grow and reach their full potential within our organization through various programs and training.

The lab is located at both The Guelph Research and Development Centre – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Guelph, On) and Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University. The work environment Includes lab scale and pilot-plant scale extruders. Work will include processing pulse starch using different extrusion conditions. Appropriate training will be provided to create a safe work environment.

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 eligible to be enrolled in a M.Sc. program in Chemical Engineering at the McMaster University.

Degree equivalency

Experience in extrusion.
Experience in biopolymer/polymer characterization.

*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 principles of starch chemistry and polymer/biopolymer processing.
Knowledge of physical chemical characterization of polymer/biopolymer.

Interactive Communication
Initiative
Team Work
Problem Solving

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

Agriculture and Agri-food Canada recognizes that the diversity of its employee population contributes to its strength and integrity. We are committed to achieving employment equity and developing a highly capable workforce that is representative of Canadian Society. We encourage women (especially in non-traditional occupations), Indigenous peoples (Aboriginal peoples), persons with disabilities, and members of visible minority groups to apply and declare themselves as part of one or more of the Employment Equity groups as selection may be limited to candidates belonging to one or more of the groups.

Information on employment equity

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.

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 https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/opportunities/government.html.

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.