Research Assistant - Research Affiliate Program

Important messages

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Assessment accommodation

To be considered for the Research Affiliate Program (RAP), you must meet the following criteria:

• you are a full-time student in a post-secondary institution
• you are enrolled in an academic program that requires research as part of your curriculum
• you meet the minimum age required in the province/territory of work

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.

ONLY APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED ON-LINE USING THE 'APPLY ON-LINE' BUTTON ABOVE WILL BE CONSIDERED.

Duties

The candidate will conduct and publish research on the effects of agricultural drainage ditch management on water quality, pesticide concentration and amphibian health. The candidate will be responsible for independently developing a research program to assess the aquatic toxicity of agriculture-associated surface waters on tadpole growth and development using in-situ tadpole exposures. The specific tasks involve: Conducting fieldwork for in-situ exposures using Canadian native tadpoles; Collecting water samples from agricultural drainage ditches and small streams for physical/chemical assessment; Dissecting tadpoles and collecting tissues for chemical and molecular analyses; Collating and statistically analysing collected data; Preparation of manuscripts for submission to peer-review journals.

Work environment

Research will be conducted at Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) National Wildlife Research Centre located on Carleton University campus, in the Ecosystem and Wildlife Health Laboratory, at the University of Ottawa, Pick Lab and at field sites around the National Capital Region. The work is part of a research program that uses amphibian toxicity assays to understand the effects of agricultural chemicals and mixtures on wildlife. The candidate will be co-supervised by an ECCC Research Scientist and University of Ottawa Professor that specialize in ecotoxicology and agricultural aquatic systems.

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)

Currently enrolled in a Master’s program in the Faculty of Science, Department of Biology at the University of Ottawa.

Degree equivalency

Experience in water quality monitoring, using various probes, sampling and basic analysis.
Experience in planning and executing tadpole ecotoxicity exposures.
Experience conducting statistical analyses for aquatic toxicity exposures.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of chemical and environmental toxicology and ecology.

Teamwork
Writing Skills

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

Ability and willingness to travel for conferences and other meetings.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Valid drivers license
Ability and willingness to conduct field work which includes working outdoors in all weather for an entire day.
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours.
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

Preference

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

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