Ph.D. Student – Soil Science - Research Affiliate Program

Update: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to January 18, 2023 - 23:59, Pacific Time.

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

AAFC is committed to diversity and inclusion and is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s best diversity employers. We welcome all applicants and strongly encourage candidates to self-declare if they belong to an Employment Equity designated group (i.e. Aboriginal Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, Visible Minorities or Women).

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice. Applicants are asked to indicate their preferred official language in their application.

Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required. Candidates who apply to this selection process should include an email address that accepts email from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email).

Duties

The Soil Nutrient Dynamics and Soil Health Lab at Fredericton Research and Development Centre at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Department of Soil Science at the University of Manitoba are seeking candidate for one PhD position. The position is part of New Brunswick Living Lab under the Agricultural Climate Solution (ACS) program to investigate beneficial management practices that sequester soil carbon, mitigate climate change, and support socio-economic as well as environmental benefits (e.g. air, soil, water and biodiversity). The student will work out of the University of Manitoba campus and will need to fulfill any requirements to complete a Doctorate in Science, including taking courses, and writing and defending their thesis.

The team is seeking a motivated Ph.D. student interested in investigating nitrogen (N) cycling, N use efficiency and soil health under different rain fed cropping systems in Atlantic Canada. The research will focus on fluxes of nitrous oxide (N2O) emission, in-season N dynamics, N mineralization and N availability for crop uptake. The incumbent will be responsible for executing the study in the field, collection of greenhouse gas samples from multiple locations in New Brunswick, collection of soil samples in the field and the analysis of soil samples including measurement of soil health indicators. The successful candidate should have a strong interest in soil N cycling, and in applying multivariate statistical techniques to analyze data. The candidate will be involved in writing scientific manuscripts and in presenting the findings at national conferences/meetings. The successful applicant will work in an interdisciplinary team involving soil scientists, a landscape and soil carbon scientist, a soil microbiology scientist, and an integrative cropping systems scientist working together.

Work environment

Located in the west-central portion of the province of New Brunswick along the Saint John River, the AAFC Fredericton Research and Development Center (FRDC) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science in agriculture. The FRDC was established in 1912 and current research consists in developing and evaluating environmentally sustainable ways to farm lands for crop production in New Brunswick.

The successful candidate will work in laboratory, and field environments. Both field and laboratory work will require some prerequisite safety training.

AAFC is committed to diversity and inclusion. We have several networks dedicated to ensuring that the department continues to grow as an inclusive, accessible, respectful and diverse workplace. All employees are encouraged and welcomed to join the networks and participate in their activities and events.

• The Gender and Sexual Diversity Inclusiveness Network
• The Indigenous Network Circle
• The Managers' Community
• The Persons with Disabilities Network
• The Student Panel of Representatives for Orientation, Unity and Training
• The Visible Minorities Network
• The Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network
• The Young Professional's Network

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:
Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by the date of appointment in a PhD program at the University of Manitoba with specialization in Soil Science or a related field.

Note: Must be currently recognized as having full-time student status in the academic institution in which you are presently enrolled, pending approval of acceptance or in the process of submitting your application. (Proof of enrollment will be required prior to start date) and must be returning to full-time studies for your next academic term.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience* in laboratory analyses of soil and plant samples, and organic amendments.
Experience* in collecting, compiling, and analyzing experimental data.

*In the context of student recruitment in the federal public service, experience can be acquired through studies, work experience and volunteer activities.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
Knowledge of techniques (e.g. soil and plant sampling) that can be applied to the study of crops, infield, laboratory and controlled environmental trials.
Knowledge of N fate in agricultural soils.
Knowledge of best management practices for reducing N fluxes from soils.
Knowledge of soil chemical analysis procedures.
Knowledge of instrumentation used in Soil Science research.
Knowledge of statistical analyses such as analysis of variance and multivariate analysis and demonstrated proficiency with SAS or another statistical program.

Competencies:
Interactive communication
Planning and Organization
Problem Solving
Teamwork
Initiative

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

Agriculture and Agri-food Canada recognizes that the diversity of its employee population contributes to its strength and integrity. We are committed to achieving employment equity and developing a highly capable workforce that is representative of Canadian Society. We encourage women (especially in non-traditional occupations), Indigenous peoples (Aboriginal peoples), persons with disabilities, and members of visible minority groups to apply and declare themselves as part of one or more of the Employment Equity groups as selection may be limited to candidates belonging to one or more of the groups.

Information on employment equity

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance - Each student hired through the Research Affiliate Program (RAP) must meet the security requirements of the position as a condition of employment, and therefore will be asked by the hiring organization to complete security-relevant documents.

• Possession of a valid driver’s license or personal mobility to the extent normally associated with the possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Ability and willingness to travel to Fredericton, New Brunswick.
• Ability and willingness to work in laboratory and/or field environments for extended periods at a time.
• Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication without impinging on the duties to be performed.
• Ability and willingness to work with hazardous chemicals using appropriate safety equipment after receiving suitable training.

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

Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. You must apply on-line through https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/opportunities/government.html.

Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact the email referenced below under “Contact Information”.

Candidates will be required to pay for their own travel related to assessment and successful candidates will be responsible for obtaining their own living accommodations.

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.

Preference

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