Research Assistant (Mercury cycling and sources in Canadian ecosystems). - Research Affiliate Program

Important messages

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Assessment accommodation

The student must have graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Science in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, environmental sciences, or a related field.

The student must be currently enrolled or will be enrolled by the date of appointment in a MSc program at the Trent University in Environmental and Life Sciences.

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.

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.

A two page research proposal including background, objectives, and methods.

Duties

The Biogeochemical Cycling of Mercury group at the Canada Centre for Inland Waters at Environment and Climate Change Canada is seeking candidate for one MSc position. The team is seeking a motivated MSc student interested in investigating mercury in the environment, including the transport and fate of mercury. The research will focus on quantifying trends in mercury and metals in the Canadian environment over space and time and may use a variety of environmental samples, such as lake sediments water, snow, or biological samples such as seals or whales. The incumbent will be responsible for collection of environmental samples in the field from remote locations in Canada, the analysis of samples for low levels of mercury and methylmercury in the laboratory and for applying statistical techniques to analyze data. The candidate will be involved in writing scientific manuscripts and presenting at conferences.

The project is in collaboration with professor Holger Hintelmann, School of the Environment, Trent University where parts of the research will be carried out

Work environment

The work will be completed in collaboration between Trent University (Peterborough, ON) and Environment and Climate Change Canada (Burlington, ON). While in Burlington, the student will be housed at the Canada Centre for Inland Waters (CCIW), which was established in 1967 and accommodates over 600 staff from Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Canadian Coast Guard, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Located in southern Ontario along the shoreline of Lake Ontario, the Canada Centre for Inland Waters (CCIW) was established in 1967 and accommodates over 600 staff from Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Canadian Coast Guard, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

CCIW Aquatic Contaminants and Water Hydrology and Ecology scientific staff conduct field and laboratory activities aimed at better understanding and predicting the effects of contaminants and other substances on aquatic ecosystems. The sources, fate and impacts of nutrient and other contaminant loading from agricultural, land use change and municipal wastewater are studied in sediments, groundwater and surface waters.

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

CCIW 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.

Intent of the process

The student will work out of both the Trent University campus and Canada Centre for Inland Waters and will need to fulfill any requirements to complete a Master of Science, including taking courses, and writing and defending their thesis.

Positions to be filled: 1

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Experience :
Experience in the laboratory analyses of low level mercury and methylmercury in environmental samples such as water, snowmelt, fish, and seals.

Experience with clean techniques to collect environmental samples for mercury and/or metals analyses.

Experience in collecting, compiling, and analyzing scientific datasets using spreadsheets and statistical software, such as R.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge :
Knowledge of mercury cycling in the environment.
Knowledge of instrumentation used in mercury and methylmercury analyses.
Knowledge of statistical analyses such as analysis of variance and multivariate analysis and demonstrated proficiency with R or another statistical program.

Personal Suitability:
Adaptability
Concern for Safety
Planning and Organizing Skills
Problem Solving Skills
Teamwork Skills

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

Operational requirements
Ability and willingness to travel to Burlington, Ontario.
Ability and willingness to work in laboratory and/or remote field environments for extended periods at a time.
Ability and willingness to use boats, helicopters, and snowmobiles for field work after receiving suitable training.
Ability and willingness to work with hazardous chemicals using appropriate safety equipment after receiving suitable training.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance - 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.

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

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).

Reference check will be done.

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.