Research Scientist - Phytoplankton Ecologist and Ocean acidification

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

Duties

Pelagic and Ecosystem Science Division of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Québec Region requires a research scientist in biological oceanography to examine plankton ecology and lower trophic level production in the Gulf of St Lawrence for the purpose of developing an understanding of their impact on Canada's marine resources and coastal communities. This scientist will be a key team member in the Atlantic Zone Monitoring Program (AZMP). This scientist will collaborate with experts in other regions and elsewhere as necessary. The challenge is to develop scientific theories, novel techniques, or integrated approaches representing an advance in phytoplankton ecology/microbial oceanography, which demonstrates innovation as well as solution-oriented science. This scientist will be expected to engage clients to develop questions which support decision-making and policy development. This scientist will also be required to participate in the ocean acidification monitoring and research program by synthesizing and presenting results, and directing research.

Objectives of this research include:
- Describing ocean changes as they occur in the short term and long term.
- Linking ecosystem variability to ocean changes.
- Describing changes in the health of the ocean.
- Collaborating with other scientists and trans-discipline experts in DFO Québec Region to enhance this mandate.
- Collaborating with physical, chemical, and fisheries oceanographers to improve long term projections.
- Understanding future impacts, vulnerabilities and opportunities related to the health of the ocean.
- Communication of research findings.

Intent of the process

This process will be used to staff one position indeterminately in Mont-Joli, Québec. A pool of candidates may be established to staff similar/identical positions on an indeterminate or term basis within Fisheries and Oceans Canada, in the Quebec Region.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "describing your relevant experience for this position and what you would bring to it (Maximum of 1,000 words)."

Contact information for 2 references.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Graduation with a doctoral degree in a natural science from a recognized university in a field of study relevant to the duties of the position and at least one year of either post-doctoral training at a recognized institution or as a research auxiliary (or equivalent).

Degree equivalency

Experience in conducting research in phytoplankton and microbial oceanography*.

* "Microbial oceanography is the branch of environmental science whose goal is to predict what kinds of micro-organisms, including phytoplankton, will be found in what abundances where and when within the sea. Its methods are diverse, but its general approach is to identify patterns of micro- organism distribution in space and time, to identify the processes that account for the distributions and their changes, and to quantify those processes” (adapted from Jumars, P.A. 1993 Concepts in Biological Oceanography. Oxford University Press).

Experience in conducting research in ocean chemistry.

Experience in presenting research findings at scientific workshops or meetings.

Experience in authoring scientific publications in international peer reviewed journals (at least five publications in the last five years, two of which as first or second author).

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

Significant experience*** in conducting research in one or more of: marine phytoplankton ecology, marine microbial plankton ecology, ocean acidification.

Experience in leading research teams.

Experience in developing proposals for funding of scientific projects.

Experience in providing information and science-based advice to management or stakeholders.

Experience in modelling of the lower trophic level components of the marine ecosystem.

Experience in managing financial and human resources.

*** Significant experience is defined as the depth and breadth of experience that would normally be associated with the performance of these duties as a major function of at least three years.

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

Bilingual - Imperative (BBB/BBB)

Information on language requirements

Extensive knowledge** of phytoplankton.
Knowledge of ocean chemistry.
Knowledge of marine ecosystem ecology.

** Extensive knowledge is defined as the depth and breadth of knowledge that would normally be associated with the requirements of a doctoral degree.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writting.
Ability to make recommendations and provide scientific advice.
Ability to manage his/her own time.

Good interpersonal relations/ Working effectively with others
Initiative

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

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Valid Health Canada Medical.
Valid driver’s license.
Willingness and ability to work overtime.
Willingness and ability to work flexible hours.
Willingness and ability to undertake work travel outside the local area.
Willingness and ability to work in the field for extended periods of time up to six consecutive weeks per year and to travel for periods up to 12 weeks per year, when required.
Willingness and ability to work from small aircraft or helicopters, from small craft boats and ships or various sizes, and in remote areas.
All employees of the core public administration are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and attest to their vaccination status unless accommodated based on a medical contraindication, religion, or another prohibited ground for discrimination as defined 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

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.

Our intention is to communicate with candidates through emails and/or through the www.canada.ca/government-jobs applicant account. Candidates participating in this selection process must include in their application a valid email address and make sure that this address is functional at all times and that their system accepts messages from unknown users (some email systems block the receipt of these types of email).

ALL JOB APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED USING THE WEBSITE www.canada.ca/government-jobs. NO APPLICATION WILL BE ACCEPTED BY EMAIL.

IMPORTANT:
On October 6, 2021, the Government of Canada announced details of its plans to require vaccination across the federal public service.

As per the new Policy on COVID-19 Vaccination for the Core Public Administration Including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, federal public servants in the Core Public Administration and members of the RCMP must attest to their vaccination status. The requirement for employees to be fully vaccinated applies whether they are teleworking, working remotely or working on-site. This is a condition of employment and it applies to indeterminate (permanent), determinate (term), casual, and student hiring. Should you reach the point in the selection process where it is necessary to verify terms and conditions of employment then the hiring manager or a human resources representative will contact you in order to complete an attestation.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

Information on the preference to veterans

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