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

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

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 use of toxicogenomics for estimating the chronic toxicity of environmental contaminants in soil. Challenges involve assessing molecular and biochemical mechanisms that enable an in-depth evaluation of toxicodynamics under varying exposure scenarios, and include transcriptomic dose-response analyses of large data sets for application to ecological risk assessment. The candidate will be responsible to develop and execute a research plan to examine molecular and biochemical (enzyme) markers in soil invertebrate species (Folsomia candida and Oppia nitens). Specific tasks include: conducting dose-response exposures; preparing and analyzing RNA samples for sequencing; conducting statistical analyses including transcriptomic dose-response analyses; dissemination of research findings and guidance for further development; and preparation of manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals.

Work environment

Research will be conducted at Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) Soil Toxicology Laboratory located at the Science and Technology Centre (335 River Road, Ottawa, Ontario) and at the University of Saskatchewan, Department of Soil Science (Dr. Steven Siciliano) (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan). The work is part of a research program that uses toxicological and toxicogenomic endpoints to understand the effects of environmental chemicals on soil invertebrate health and their provision of ecosystem services. The candidate will be co-supervised by an ECCC Soil Toxicologist and University of Saskatchewan Professor that specialize in soil and invertebrate ecotoxicology.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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:
• The candidate must be currently enrolled in the Toxicology Graduate Program, College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, at the University of Saskatchewan

Degree equivalency

Experience:
• Experience in planning and executing mite and collembolan soil toxicity exposures
• Experience conducting statistical analyses for soil toxicity exposures
• Experience in soil and chemical analyses, and molecular techniques including DNA / RNA extraction from soil invertebrates

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
• Knowledge of chemical and environmental (soil) toxicology and ecology

Abilities:
• Teamwork
• Writing skills

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

Preference

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