Research Assistant – Research Affiliate Program

Employment and Social Development Canada; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 20,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Environment and Climate Change Canada is offering a Research Assistant position under the Research Affiliate Program (RAP) in the Science and Technology Branch. The role focuses on pyrolysis GC-MS analysis of polymers in wastewaters, biosolids, and plant tissues, with co-supervision at Carleton University.

The candidate must be a full-time student enrolled in Carleton's Environmental Engineering Graduate Program, with experience in py-GC-MS and sample extraction for polymer analysis.

Qualifications

• The candidate must be enrolled in the Environmental Engineering Graduate Program at Carleton University.
• Experience operating a py-GC-MS.
• Experience extracting samples (wastewater, biosolids, soils, tissues) for polymer analysis.
• Knowledge of analytical QA/QC methods.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and publish research on the use of pyrolysis GC-MS for characterizing polymers in wastewater, biosolids and plant tissues.
• Develop a standard operating procedure for the py-GC-MS including verification of methodology, QA/QC procedures and testing with samples.
• Disseminate research findings and guidance and prepare manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals.

Skills

Sample extraction

Education

Environmental Engineering Graduate Program (Carleton University)

Tools

py-GC-MS

Job description

Research Assistant – Research Affiliate Program - Research Affiliate Program

Environment and Climate Change Canada- Science and Technology Branch

Selection process number
26-DOE-NCR-EA-683394

Salary
$25.17 to $38.38 per hour-Rates of pay are determined at the initial appointment or reappointment stage and are based on the student's current academic level. https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/services/pay/rates-pay/student-rates-pay/student-rates-pay-2024.html)

Who can apply
To be considered for Research Affiliate Program (RAP) work opportunities, all candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria by the date of appointment:- Be recognized as having full-time student status at an accredited Canadian post-secondary academic institution (this includes students with a disability deemed to have full-time status). Individuals pending approval of acceptance or in the process of submitting applications are encouraged to apply, as proof of enrollment will only be required prior to the start date.- Be enrolled in an academic program that requires research as part of the curriculum.- Be at least the minimum age to work in the province or territory where the job is located.This includes students with physical or emotional disabilities deemed to have full-time status by their academic institution. Adult students registered in education and retraining programs at the secondary level may also be eligible for student employment programs. Learn more about whether you are eligible.

Duties
The candidate will conduct and publish research on the use of pyrolysis GC-MS for characterizing polymers in waste waters, biosolids and plant tissues. Challenges involve developing a robust analytical procedure to characterize the type and quantity of polymers in complex matrices, including QA/QC checks, extraction methods and ensuring reproducible results. The candidate will be responsible to develop and execute a research plan to examine waste plastics in waste waters, biosolids and plant tissues. Specific tasks include: developing a standard operating procedure for the py-GC-MS including verification of methodology, development of QA/QC procedures and testing with samples extracted from waste waters, biosolids, soils and tissues; dissemination of research findings and guidance for further development; and preparation of manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals.

Work environment
Research will be conducted at Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) Nanomaterials Research Laboratory located at the National Wildlife Research Centre (NWRC) (1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario) and at Carleton University, Department of Engineering (Dr. Banu Ormeci) (Ottawa, Ontario). The work is part of a research program that examines the fate of micro plastics through waste-water treatment processes to biosolids and uses toxicological endpoints to understand the effects of plastic-containing biosolids on plant health. The candidate will be co-supervised by an ECCC Soil Toxicologist and Carleton University Professor that specializes in wastewater treatment engineering.

Intent of the process
This position is for 15 hours per week for the period from October 19, 2026 (starting date to discuss if needed) to March 31, 2027, with the possibility of extension depending on needs and eligibility requirements for student employment.

Positions to be filled
1

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.

Conditions of employment

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, and therefore will be asked by the hiring organization to complete security-relevant documents.

Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following

Education:

• The candidate must be currently enrolled or willing to enrolled in the Environmental Engineering Graduate Program, College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, at Carleton University.

Experience:

• Experience in operating a py-GC-MS.
• Experience extracting samples (wastewater, biosolids, soils, tissues) for polymer analysis.

Applied / assessed at a later date

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of analytical QA/QC methods.

Language requirements (essential for the job)

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.

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.

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.

• 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