MSc Research Opportunity: Unlocking the Potential of Inorganic Carbon Storage in Agricultural Soils - Research Affiliate Program

About the position

Duties
This is an emerging research topic into enhanced rock weathering (ERW) investigating the potential for atmospheric CO2 drawdown and inorganic soil carbon storage. The Research Affiliate Program (RAP) student will work in the lab and the field on an AAFC project at the Ottawa Research and Development Centre.

The tasks required for this role:
1. Collate information on potential ERW rocks across Canada.
2. Conduct a literature review on the subject of ERW.
3. Conduct experiments in the lab and in the field to test the rates, grain size, and effectiveness of the rocks on different types of soil and look for potential contamination in the soils. This requires regular sampling and monitoring.
4. Collect and prepare rock and soil samples and analyze them according to different methodologies.
5. Working with economics specialist to conduct a basic economic analysis on ERW specific to Canada.
6. Organize, analyze and interpret the collected data and write a report or scientific papers.
7. Ability and willingness to learn basic statistical methods of analysis.

Positions to be filled
1

Important messages
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.

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.

Learn more about security screening process.

Operational Requirements

Ability to work in the field under varying weather conditions
Ability and willingness to work in the lab with chemicals in a safe manner

You need (essential for the job)

Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following

Education:
Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by the date of appointment in a Master’s program in a recognized post-secondary academic institution with specialization in: soil science or geography or environmental science or a related field.

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 the student must be returning to full-time studies for your next academic term.

Learn more about degree equivalency.

Experience:
Experience* collecting field soil samples
Experience* conducting laboratory analyses of soil and water samples
Experience* working in the field such as in an agricultural land or conducting environmental assessment or water studies, or in a related field
Experience* collecting, analyzing and reporting scientific data

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

Applied / assessed at a later date

Knowledge:
Knowledge of soil science
Knowledge of soil-water-plant atmosphere interactions or geology or biogeochemistry or chemistry.
Knowledge of methods to analyze and present data.

Competencies:
Working effectively with others
Initiative
Planning and Organizing

Language requirements (essential for the job)

Applied / assessed at a later date

English essential - You are entitled to participate in the selection process in the official language of your choice.

Learn more about language requirements.

Our commitment

We're 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 contact the hiring organization below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Learn more about assessment accommodation.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the population it serves. We promote employment equity and encourage you to self-declare if you belong to one of the designated employment equity groups when you apply.

Learn more about diversity and inclusion in the public service.

Agriculture and Agri-food Canada recognizes that the diversity of its employee population contributes to its strength and integrity. We are committed to achieving employment equity and developing a highly capable workforce that is representative of Canadian Society. We encourage women (especially in non-traditional occupations), Indigenous peoples (Aboriginal peoples), persons with disabilities, and members of visible minority groups to apply and declare themselves as part of one or more of the Employment Equity groups, as selection may be limited to candidates belonging to one or more of the groups.

Learn more about employment equity.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans first, followed by Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of jobs located in Nunavut or Yukon. For positions located in Nunavut, qualified Inuit enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement will be appointed first. For positions located in Yukon, qualified Yukon First Nations will be appointed first, followed by qualified Indigenous persons.

Learn more about preference to veterans.

How to apply

Learn more about applying for Government of Canada jobs.

Information you must provide

• Your résumé
• Contact information for 1 reference
• 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

We'd like to thank all those who apply. However, only the people selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Additional links

For further information on the Research Affiliate Program (RAP), please visit Research Affiliate Program (RAP)

Hiring organization contact

Name: RAP Team – Research Affiliate Program
Email address: [email protected]

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