Research Affiliate (PhD student)-Molecular Microbial Ecology - Research Affiliate Program

Important messages

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Assessment accommodation

Duties

We are seeking a PhD student (4 years) to work on combined laboratory experiments and field work to examine climate change impacts on biogeochemistry of acid mine drainage and the survival of pioneer plants species (balsam poplar) and their associated microbial communities.

Candidate will also be involved in preparing tailings samples for DNA extraction, next-generation DNA sequencing, geochemical analyses including total and extractable metals, anions and measuring total organic and inorganic carbon. Bioinformatics and statistics skills for microbial community analysis are considered as an asset. Experience in designing and conducting laboratory/greenhouse research projects is strongly desired.

The candidate will spend time between Western University in London, ON, and the CanmetMINING labs in Ottawa.

Work environment

At Natural Resources Canada, a Federal government job means developing leadership skills, fostering teamwork, and supporting creativity and innovation. We know it takes people from diverse pools of talent to make this happen. That is why we are looking for people like you. As an employee at Natural Resources Canada you can enjoy diverse employment opportunities, a range of career development programs, and a learning culture that supports you to learn on an ongoing basis. We support balancing your work and private life by offering the benefits of flexible work arrangements.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "A one-page cover letter to describe what their career goals are and why they are interested in perusing this position."

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 possess by the start date (Sept. 2023):
- MSc in Biology, Environmental Science, Geochemistry, Biochemistry / Molecular Biology, or a related field,
- The requirements for enrolment in the Biology PhD program at Western University and be willing to enroll in that program.
- Demonstrate prior courses in Microbiology/Molecular Biology with sufficient general knowledge of biogeochemistry and biochemistry.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
The candidate should demonstrate previous experience in DNA extraction, amplification and quantification in preparation for DNA with sequencing either as part of a research-based thesis (MSc or BSc), through co-op experience, or other work experience

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

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

A keen interest in learning new lab and bioinformatics skills. I will teach you what I know and offer resources, but I expect students to be motivated and work independently in this area.

Selection may be limited to members of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women

Information on employment equity

If sufficient applications are received, Employment Equity standards may apply.

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

You must provide proof of your education credentials.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.

A random and/or top down selection of candidates may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.

Candidates from outside the public service may be required to pay for travel and relocation costs associated with this selection process.

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.

Natural Resources Canada is committed to employment equity and building strength through diversity. We welcome applications from qualified people and encourage members of the designated groups (Aboriginal Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, Visible Minorities and Women) to apply and to self-identify.

For this selection process, it is our intention to communicate with candidates via email for screening and assessment purposes. This will include communication of screening results and invitations to written tests and interviews. To that end, candidates must include a valid email address in their application. It is the candidate's responsibility to ensure that this address is functional and
that it accepts messages from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email). It is also the candidate's responsibility to ensure accurate information is provided and updated as required.

Preference

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