MSc Student in Hudson Bay Food Webs - 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

You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Some essential qualifications will be assessed through your application. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate examples that illustrate how you meet each qualification. Failure to do so could result in your application being rejected.

Duties

The Arctic and Aquatic Research Division (AARD) of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is based at the Freshwater Institute in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Division provides information and advice to support the management of Arctic fisheries resources, their habitat and Marine Protected Areas (MPA) in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, and on the Yukon North Slope. Successful management and conservation of these resources depends on acquiring, interpreting and sharing biological information, the processes affecting them and the ecosystem of which they are part.

Challenges of the position:

• Processing of Hudson Bay invertebrate, fish and marine mammal stomach contents for DNA analysis and tissue samples for biotracer analysis, such as stable isotopes or fatty acids.
• Simultaneous collection of environmental data (e.g. sea surface temperature) at remote Arctic field sites using water quality testing equipment, as well as satellite-based environmental data (e.g. sea ice concentration).
• Boat-based travel and extended stays in remote Arctic locations.
• Statistical analyses and modeling of stomach content DNA data and biotracer data to assess composition of prey and energy sources.
• Defend research, internally in DFO and/or externally at meetings/conferences.
• Data analysis, interpretation, and publication in government reports and peer-reviewed journals.

Work environment

Candidates of the program will work at Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Ontario and Prairies Regional office – the Freshwater Institute, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Candidates will also interact with members of the Hunters and Trappers Organizations/Associations and non-governmental organizations in the development and implementation of research plans, and during the dissemination of research findings.

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)

Currently enrolled or willing to enroll in an MSc program at the University of Manitoba in Biological Sciences or Environment and Geography.

Degree equivalency

Experience in collecting and analyzing stomach content DNA or biotracer (e.g. fatty acids, stable isotopes) data of invertebrates, fishes or marine mammals.

Experience in laboratory analysis, instrumental analysis, or aquatic field research experience

** Experience can be acquired through studies, work experience or volunteer activities. **

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of aquatic ecology.

*This knowledge criteria will be assessed via a work sample – candidates must be prepared to submit one as part of their assessment.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Dependability.
Initiative.

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.

Work outdoors under various weather conditions.
Valid Health Canada Medical (as required by the position).
Maintaining your student status is a condition of employment. Once you have defended your thesis you are no longer eligible for the program.

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.