Student Biologist in Aquatic Ecology – Research Affiliate Program - 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

This project aims to develop indicators of ecosystem health using environmental genomics to track and predict the impact of environmental contaminants on the biological and functional diversity of aquatic ecosystems.

Information that you will need to provide

Your curriculum vitae and a letter of interest. Applicants must demonstrate in their letter of interest how they meet the Essential Qualifications by indicating HOW (clearly explain your duties/responsibilities), WHEN and for HOW LONG (date and length of time in months or years), and WHERE (employer, school or organization and geographic location) this experience was acquired. Failure to provide the information as instructed will result in your application being rejected. You will not be solicited for incomplete or missing information (1000 to 3000 words).

Contact details of 2 references.

Certificates of study, transcripts and list of courses that you have already taken, that you are currently taking or that you will take during the academic year.

To be appointed to the position, you must have all the essential qualifications. Other qualifications may be taken into consideration upon selected the person appointed. Some of the qualifications (essential or otherwise) will be assessed using your job application. It is your responsibility to provide relevant examples demonstrating how you meet each requirement. Failure to do so may result in your application being rejected.

Duties

- Carry out research in order to develop environmental DNA (eDNA) as surrogates for biological monitoring (Environmental monitoring) of freshwater fish for biodiversity protection and conservation, this project will contribute to Species At Risk and Wildlife Conservation (e.g. numerous mussels and fish species).
- Conduct research using advanced statistical models integrating abiotic and biotic data sets to understand and predict interspecific dynamics in aquatic environments.
- Conduct a literature review of recent developments in the field.
- Participate in the field collections (pending travel approval).
- Preparation of samples for analysis.
- Ensure the maintenance and proper functioning of the laboratory and field campaigns, in accordance with good laboratory practices and standards of field operations.
- Ensure the smooth running of quality control operations.
- Perform statistical analysis of data using statistical programs.
- Interpret results and write scientific articles for publication.

The work will be conducted as part of the Masters of Science (MSc) research of the successful candidate.

Work environment

The work will be carried out in collaboration with the University of Guelph (Guelph, Ontario) and at the Environment and Climate Change Canada facilities in Burlington, Ontario, in the laboratories and at associated field collection sites under the direction and supervision of a scientific research team. The candidate will be required to work up to 10 hrs / per week.

Positions to be filled: 1

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

The Student must be currently enrolled in a Master's of Science program at the University of Guelph to expedite collaboration for the described research at which he or she is enrolled as having full-time student status.

Degree equivalency

Experience
Experience in preparing literature reviews and datasets, analyzing data using various statistical methods and models (e.g., R programming language) to integrate abiotic and biotic data sets to understand and predict interspecific dynamics in aquatic environments.

Experience collecting routine water quality data in fish husbandry.

Experience in eDNA data collection.

Experience in following proper laboratory SOPs and techniques.

With respect to the recruitment of students to the federal public service, please note that experience can be gained through education, 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
Knowledge of fish biology.
Knowledge of aquatic ecology.
Knowledge of metabarcoding pipelines: MiFish, Geneious, and MetaWorks.

ABILITIES
Ability to analyze data as well as synthesize and interpret results.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

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
Willingness and ability to collect samples in the field during irregular work hours.
Willingness and ability to travel within Canada.
With appropriate safety precautions in place, willing to work in field conditions and a laboratory environment.
Willing to work with hazardous materials using standard safety precautions.
Willing to present results at conferences and meetings.

Conditions of employment

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

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

References checks may be sought.

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.

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. References may be contacted. Candidates who apply to this selection process should provide an email address that accepts email from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email).

Persons are entitled to participate in the selection process in the official language of their choice. Students are asked to indicate their preferred official language in their application.
Additional information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled workforce that reflects the diversity of the Canadian population. Therefore, it promotes employment equity and encourages you to voluntarily indicate on your application if you are a woman, an Aboriginal person, a person with a disability or a member of a visible minority.

The Public Service of Canada is also committed to an inclusive and barrier-free selection process and work environment. If you are contacted about an employment opportunity or for exams, please notify the representative of the Public Service Commission or the organization in a timely manner of your needs for which accommodation must be taken to allow you a fair and equitable assessment. Information received regarding accommodation will be treated confidentially.

Preference

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