PhD Student - Research Affiliate Program

Important messages

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Assessment accommodation

Health Canada is committed to increasing representation of Black employees and other racialized groups, Indigenous People, women and persons with disabilities. Health Canada would like its workforce to be reflective of the population it serves. Therefore, we encourage candidates to indicate voluntarily on their application if they are a member of one of these groups.

Give yourself the best chance to succeed! As the objective of this process is to assess qualifications needed for the position(s) to be staffed, let us know if you have a functional limitation/ disability, which may affect your performance. For example, contact us if you need assistance in completing and submitting your application. Should you then proceed to the next assessment stage, such as an exam or interview, we will send you an e-mail with additional information on the assessment format so that you can determine if you may require an accommodation (such as a different test format, an adaptive technology, or additional time). Assessment accommodations are designed to remove the obstacles without altering the criteria being assessed so candidates with functional limitations can fully demonstrate their abilities.

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Health Canada welcomes applications from Veterans. We recognize your contribution to Canadians and would like to offer you the opportunity to continue your career in an environment where multi-talented employees with diverse skills are appreciated and supported.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME
Health Canada and the Public Health Agency are dedicated to building an inclusive workforce that comprises individuals who have an array of identities, abilities, background, culture, skills, perspectives, and experiences that are representative of Canada’s current and evolving population. We are passionate about fostering a workplace where all people feel welcome, can reach their full potential, and contribute their unique perspectives and experience to the success of the team.

BRING YOUR WHOLE SELF TO WORK
We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex (including gender identity and/or expression), national origin, sexual orientation, civil union or relationship status, disability, age, parental status, military service, or other status protected under federal law.

* You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Other qualifications may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed. Some essential and other qualifications will be assessed through your application. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate examples that illustrate how you meet each qualification. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected.

Duties

Extreme heat events are posing a growing public health risk in Canada. Climate change can mean longer and more intense heat waves that can be dangerous for the health of Canadians. Health Canada’s Heat Program aims to protect the health of Canadians from extreme heat.

The Heat Program is looking to develop a better understanding of national risk from heat and health.

We are looking for an outstanding and motivated graduate student who is eager to make a difference as they provide leadership and expertise in a risk management process. The successful candidate will support an initiative to develop and assess the risk of an extreme heat scenario in Canada. Some responsibilities include:

I. Prepare series of memos summarizing the costs (based on the literature) of extreme heat to: health systems, environment, infrastructure, labour productivity, etc.
II. Author a report analysing the role of the federal government in responding to extreme heat scenarios

Strong policy analysis, writing and synthesis skills are essential. We are seeking a candidate who is able to manage multiple competing priorities adeptly and to produce high quality synthesis documents in short time frames.

Colleagues within the Climate Change and Innovation Bureau with many years of expertise in extreme heat are committed to collaborating with you and sharing their input, advice and expertise.

DUTIES

You will be asked in short time frames to:

• Adeptly synthesis complex science into plain language documents (e.g. PowerPoint presentations, memos, briefings, short reports) for decision makers
• Research, analyse and write a policy paper
• Complete other tasks assigned by the Senior Analyst

Work environment

Health Canada’s Heat Program, within the Climate Change and Innovation Bureau at Health Canada, works to address the health impacts of extreme heat. It does so through developing and disseminating public health promotion communications and advice; providing expert advice and publishing guidance materials for health authorities and health professionals; and, working with Environment and Climate Change Canada and provincial, territorial, and local health authorities to support the implementation of Heat Alert and Response Systems (HARS). We are a passionate and dedicated group with diverse professional backgrounds including environmental health science, public health, urban planning and epidemiology.

Intent of the process

The immediate need is to staff one Student position.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "Please describe how you meet the education and qualifications by providing details and concrete examples including where, when and how it was acquired."

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

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Candidates applying for the position must have completed a Masters or PhD Program in a recognized post-secondary academic institution.
• We will consider candidates with specializations relevant to the duties of the position, including (but not limited to) public health and emergency management/preparedness.

Degree equivalency

PERSONAL SUITABILITIES:

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Enthusiasm, energy, commitment and flexibility to working in a fast evolving and high profile policy environment.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Exceptional analytical, writing and oral communication skills.
• A strong interest in emergency management, public health policies, health equity and science-policy translation.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless accommodated due to certified medical contraindications, religion, or other prohibited grounds under the Canadian Human Rights Act.

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

Effective October 6, 2021, the Government of Canada implemented a new Policy on COVID-19 Vaccination for the Core Public Administration Including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, impacting the core public administration. This policy requires that all new hires on or after the effective date of the policy be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment, and to attest that they are fully vaccinated prior to their start date unless accommodated due to certified medical contraindications, religion, or other prohibited grounds under the Canadian Human Rights Act.

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.

Reference checks may be sought.

An interview may be administered.

A test 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.

Preference

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

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