Research Assistant in Avian Molecular Ecotoxicology - 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

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 and biochemistry in cultured liver cells from a variety of avian species to determine effects of mixtures of contaminants from the oilsands region. The challenges involve culturing immortalized avian cell lines and using biochemistry assays and advanced molecular biology techniques to determine effects of complex environmental mixtures. The candidate will be responsible for independently developing this research program and will be responsible for the dissemination of research findings and to provide guidance for further development. The specific tasks involve: culturing avian hepatic cells as 3 dimensional spheroids, extracting RNA from spheroids and doing biochemical assays (e.g. EROD), using quantitative real-time PCR arrays for measuring changes in gene expression; data analysis, including comparison of gene expression data to contaminant concentration, and; preparation of manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals.

Work environment

Research will be carried out at Environment and Climate Change Canada’s National Wildlife Research Centre located on Carleton University campus, in the molecular ecotoxicology laboratory. The work is part of a research program that uses advanced molecular biology techniques and cell culture approaches to understand the effects of environmental chemicals and mixtures on avian species. The student will be supervised by a research scientist and a research biologist specialized in toxicogenomics.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 2 references.

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 a graduate program in the Faculty of Science, Department of Biology with a specialization in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology at Carleton University.

Degree equivalency

Experiences:
• Experience designing and planning laboratory experiments
• Experience with molecular biology laboratory techniques
• Experience with cell culture and biochemistry assays

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 toxicology

Competencies:
• Demonstrating integrity and respect;
• Thinking things through;
• Working effectively with others; and
• Showing initiative and being action-oriented.

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

Operational Requirements:
Willingness to work with bird cell lines;
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours;
Ability and willingness to travel for conferences and other meetings, and possibly field work.

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.