FRESHWATER INVERTEBRATE TOXICOLOGIST - 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 genomic approaches to assess the effects of environmental contaminants on freshwater gastropods.

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

Under this RAP work term, the student will complete novel ecotoxicology research on the effects of contaminants in freshwater snails. Tasks include:
- Conducting a literature review pertaining to the effects of the contamination of interest in freshwater gastropods
- In collaboration with laboratory staff, contribute to the set-up, running and take-down of various toxicity tests with various life stages of freshwater snails
- Capture embryo development by digital photography, analyze images to assess various endpoints (e.g., growth, hatching success)
- Enter data into Excel spreadsheets, summarizing results in graphs and tables
- Perform statistical analyses using statistical programs
- Calculate LC50 and EC50 values (e.g., survival, viability, hatching success, growth) using advanced statistical software (e.g., R)
- Contribute to the preparation of knowledge-transfer information (e.g., presentation slides, reports to funding agencies)
- Participate in knowledge transfer of the research through participation at conferences and/or workshops
- Contribute to peer-review manuscript(s), as applicable

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

Work environment

Work will be completed in collaboration with Wilfrid Laurier University (Waterloo, Ontario) or the University of Guelph (Guelph, Ontario) and at the Environment and Climate Change Canada facilities in Burlington, Ontario, in the laboratories, and, as applicable, at associated field collection sites under the direction and supervision of a scientific research team. The candidate will be required to work up to 25 hrs per week.

Intent of the process

The inetent of this process is to staff 1position, with potential to fill a second position, contingent on funding.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "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."

Contact information for 2 references.

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

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 Wilfrid Laurier University in Biology.
Note: The student must be currently recognized as having full-time student status in the academic institution in which they are presently enrolled, pending approval of acceptance or in the process of submitting your application. (The student will need to present proof of enrollment prior to start date) and must be returning to full-time studies for the next academic term.

Degree equivalency

Experience conducting toxicity testing with aquatic organisms.

Experience following proper laboratory standard operating procedures and guidelines.

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

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 toxicology principles as obtained through toxicology course or equivalent.
Knowledge of environmental chemistry principles as obtained through undergraduate chemistry courses.

ABILITIES
Ability to analyze data and 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)

ASSET EXPERIENCE

Experience analyzing metals from various matrices (e.g., water, biota) by atomic absorption spectrometry.

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability and willingness to travel to Burlington, Ontario, to conduct laboratory work.
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 - 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.