Research Affiliate Program Student (Masters or Doctoral) - Research Affiliate Program

Important messages

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Assessment accommodation

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Health Canada welcomes applications from Veterans. We recognize your contribution to Canadians and would like to offer you the opportunity to continue your career in an environment where multi-talented employees with diverse skills are appreciated and supported.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME
Health Canada and the Public Health Agency are dedicated to building an inclusive workforce that comprises individuals who have an array of identities, abilities, background, culture, skills, perspectives, and experiences that are representative of Canada’s current and evolving population. We are passionate about fostering a workplace where all people feel welcome, can reach their full potential, and contribute their unique perspectives and experience to the success of the team.

BRING YOUR WHOLE SELF TO WORK
We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex (including gender identity and/or expression), national origin, sexual orientation, civil union or relationship status, disability, age, parental status, military service, or other status protected under federal law.

Duties

The RAP student will be responsible for conducting fieldwork involving the deployment and collection of air and house dust samples to be analysed for PFAS content. The successful candidate will also be responsible for managing study questionnaires, logsheets, and equipment. The candidate will also contribute to the drafting of a manuscript for submission in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. The manuscript preparation will constitute the academic requirement of the position. The RAP student will also abide by Health Canada’s code of conduct as well as information technology security and health and safety requirements.

Work environment

The RAP student will be conducting research in characterization of human exposure to Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) in air and house dust. Tasks include fieldwork visits to homes recruited in indoor air quality studies of the Air Pollution Exposure Assessment section of the water and air quality bureau of Health Canada. This research involves knowledge of the collection and handling of house dust samples for the purpose of analysing the content of PFAS species sourced from consumer products and building materials. Knowledge of this environmental pollutant and the analytical chemistry methods for its quantification is essential. This research is in support of the air pollution exposure research activities at Health Canada’s Air Pollution Exposure Science Section in the Water and Air Quality Bureau of the Healthy Environments Consumer Safety Bureau. This research supports Health Canada’s mandate of understanding the sources and trends of air and house dust pollution in Canadian cities.

Intent of the process

Positions to be filled: 1

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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

Education:
The student must be enrolled or willing to enroll in a full-time MSc or PhD program in a biology or chemistry program at a recognized post-secondary institution. The program must require a research component for graduation.

The student must be scheduled to begin courses in September of 2023. Their program must require a research component for graduation.

The student must have verified with their academic supervisor or department head (as appropriate) that they will be authorized to conduct research work for Health Canada (to be assessed at the interview stage).

Degree equivalency

Experience:
• Experience in reviewing, interpreting and summarizing scientific data

Connaissance
• Knowledge of analytical chemistry.

Ability:
Ability to communicate effectively in writing*

* Written communication will be assessed throughout the candidate’s application. Additionally, candidates screened in to the process will be asked to submit a writing sample at a future date.

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

Asset Experience:
• At least six (6) months of experience in an analytical chemistry lab 

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
• Knowledge of house dust sampling methods
• Knowledge of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

Ability:
Ability to communicate effectively orally

Personal Suitability:
Respectful of diversity
Teamwork
Ability to work with minimal supervision
Well organized

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

Asset Knowledge:
Knowledge of urban sources of air pollution and their sources.
Knowledge of air pollution sampling and monitoring methods.

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

Willing to conduct fieldwork involving visits to homes in the Ottawa area. The RAP student must be located in Ottawa as the position includes on site work in our lab and in the field.

In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through the studies, work experience, or volunteer activities.

Reference checks may be sought.

An interview may be administered.

A test may be administered.

You must provide proof of your education credentials.

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

Preference

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