Graduate (PhD) student - Research Affiliate Program

Update: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to October 18, 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 student contributes to a long-term cropping systems study. The overall objective of the study is to analyse relative ecosystem services of crop rotations with annual food crops and perennial forage seed crops. It seeks to integrate cumulative cropping systems productivity, economic profitability, soil health variables and greenhouse gas fluxes through Holos modeling. The student will collect and analyze data, and document the results in the form of PhD thesis, journal articles and conference proceedings. Specifically, the major duties include:
- Conduct field experiments to generate agronomic, soil health and greenhouse gas emission variables
- Collect production economics data such as input and output prices, and operational costs for gross margin analysis
- Maintain records of field and laboratory activities related to the research topic.
- Integrate the agro-ecological and economic variables through Holos modelling
- Perform statistical analyses of data, present and discuss results.

Work environment

-Work may involve periods of bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, lifting and movement of materials for various experimental tasks indoor and outside in a field.
-Occasional exposure to several disagreeable conditions such as loud noise from growth chambers, farm equipment, temperature extremes, dust, insects, fungi agricultural chemicals.
-During field work, exposure to inclement weather, insect, rough terrain and the necessity to wear cumbersome protective gear. This exposure can occur for 4 to 6 months per year, up to 40% of the time.
-Lab work requires the use of protective measures to prevent exposure to low level radiation,
-Chemicals and noise from equipment up to 40% of the time.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "Write an essay on “Crop rotations with perennial forage seed crops for agroecosystems resiliency in the face of climate change”. Limit the length to 2000 words."

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)

Education:
Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by date of appointment in a PhD program in a recognized post-secondary academic institution with specialization in plant science, soil science, environmental science or related field relevant to the project scope.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience* conducting crop research experiments in the field, greenhouse and growth chamber.
Experience* in recording observations, collecting and analyzing data; drafting scientific publications.

*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:
Knowledge of crop eco-physiology and production processes.
Knowledge of experimental design and statistical analyses.

Competencies:
Teamwork
Attention to detail
Creativity
Initiative

Abilities:
Ability to work with scientific and small field equipment.

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.

Valid driver’s license or personal mobility typically associated with having a driver’s license
Ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials and chemicals.
Ability and willingness to work in a field and laboratory environments.
Ability and willingness to travel for field work.
Ability and willingness to do repetitive tasks.
Ability and willingness to lift soil or plant samples.
Ability and willingness to work in various environment and weather conditions.
Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication without impinging on the duties to be performed.

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.