Laboratory 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

You are eligible for this Research Affiliate Program (RAP) if you meet these 3 requirements:
(1) you are a full-time student in a post-secondary institution
(2) you are enrolled in an academic program that requires research as part of your curriculum
(3) you meet the minimum age required in the province/territory of work

This includes students with physical or emotional disabilities deemed to have full-time status by their academic institution. Adult students registered in education and retraining programs at the secondary level may also be eligible for student employment programs.

Duties

The duties and responsibilities of this student position are to
• conduct a review of the literature regarding heterogeneous reactions of selected air toxics and other organic pollutants
• conduct field sampling in Toronto and Montreal using co-located integrated samplers and real-time instruments
• examine observed atmospheric transformations in relation to oxidants, other pollutants, and contributing factors such as meteorological conditions
• contribute to incorporation of revised parametrizations in chemical transport models
• draft materials for peer-reviewed publications and workshop/conference presentations

The work is expected to form part of the Ph.D. studies of the successful candidate. The work will be done in collaboration with Professor Arthur Chan, University of Toronto.

Work environment

The work environment will include Professor Arthur Chan’s Environmental Organics Laboratory at the University of Toronto as well as outdoor field locations in and around Toronto and Montreal. The work will support priority research on the impacts of toxic air pollutants at Environment and Climate Change Canada.
The Student must be enrolled, with full-time student status in a doctoral program at the University of Toronto to expedite collaboration for the described research.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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)

Education:

Graduation with an acceptable undergraduate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in science, engineering, or other field related to the duties of the position.

(NOTE: The Student must be enrolled, with full-time student status, in a Masters program at the University of Toronto to expedite collaboration for the described research.)

Degree equivalency

Experience:

1. Experience working in a laboratory setting.

2. Experience analyzing gas and/or particle PAHs using GC/MS

3. Experience analyzing data using packages such as Excel, R, IGOR, or similar.

4. Experience reporting scientific/technical data.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:

1. Knowledge of atmospheric chemistry.
2. Knowledge of sampling methods for atmospheric pollutants.
3. Knowledge of data analysis methods applicable to atmospheric chemistry.

Abilities:

1. Ability to work in a team.
2. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Personal Suitability:

1. Initiative
2. Judgement
3. Critical thinking
4. Effective interpersonal relationships

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

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

Reference checks may be sought.

An interview may be administered.

You must provide proof of your education credentials.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language(s) of their choice (French, English).

Preference

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

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