PhD Student in Animal Sciences - 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

AAFC is committed to diversity and inclusion and is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s best diversity employers. We welcome all applicants and strongly encourage candidates to self-declare if they belong to an Employment Equity designated group (i.e. Aboriginal Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, Visible Minorities, or Women).

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice. Applicants are asked to indicate their preferred official language in their application.

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. Candidates who apply to this selection process should include an email address that accepts emails from unknown users (some email systems block these types of emails).

Duties

The student will carry out precision nutrition simulations and in vivo and in silico experiments.
Write scientific protocols
Gather and analyze data from animal phases
Carry out simulations
Carry out statistical analyses
Draft communications and scientific reports

Work environment

The student will join a research team specialized in developing sustainable precision feeding for swine. The aim of the proposed project is to calibrate a precision feeding model by integrating an energy use estimate, as well as identify factors that influence body composition and energy use efficiency in growing and finishing pigs. The project also includes an assessment of the impact of alternative ingredients in swine feed on performance, body composition, lipid synthesis and nutrient balance.

The Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, located at 2000 College Street in Sherbrooke, Quebec, is the only Agriculture and Agri Food Canada research centre that is dedicated exclusively to dairy and swine production. Specializing in a number of different disciplines in the areas of animal science such as husbandry, nutrition, functional genomics, agro environmental processes, behaviour study and meat quality, the centre’s research teams are able to conduct both fundamental and applied research to gain insight into and develop solutions to issues related to livestock production.

AAFC is committed to diversity and inclusion. We have several networks dedicated to ensuring that the department continues to grow as an inclusive, accessible, respectful and diverse workplace. All employees are encouraged and welcomed to join the networks and participate in their activities and events.

• The Gender and Sexual Diversity Inclusiveness Network
• The Indigenous Network Circle
• The Managers' Community
• The Persons with Disabilities Network
• The Student Panel of Representatives for Orientation, Unity and Training
• The Visible Minorities Network
• The Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network
• The Young Professional's Network

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 2 references.

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

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

Education:
Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by the date of appointment in a PhD program at a recognized post-secondary academic institution with specialization in: Animal Science

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

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience carrying out swine nutrition research projects
Experience gathering and analyzing swine production data
Experience managing, processing and analyzing data from in silico experiments (e.g., meta analysis, modelling, life cycle analysis)
Experience drafting scientific communications (e.g., summaries, posters, articles)
Experience coordinating projects
Experience formulating diets for swine

* In the context of student recruitment in the federal public service, experience can be acquired through studies, work experience and volunteer activities

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

English or French

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
Knowledge of swine production concepts and principles
Knowledge of precision feeding concepts and principles for swine
Knowledge of feed assessment
Knowledge of analysis of experimental data
Knowledge of systems biology (modelling) concepts and principles
Knowledge of programming and data processing software, such as Python, Excel macros (VBA), R, SAS or equivalent

Competencies:
Adaptability
Initiative
Interactive communication
Planning and organizing
Working independently
Working as a team

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

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.

Information on employment equity

Ability and willingness to work overtime when needed.
Ability and willingness to travel on occasion.
Ability and willingness to work with strong odours (slurry, manure, sludge).
Ability and willingness to work with laboratory animals and large farm animals.
Ability and willingness to work in a confined environment, comply with instructions and apply established procedures.
Ability and willingness to work with samples of animal origin or environmental samples, which may contain unknown pathogens.
Ability and willingness to take and/or handle a range of samples (including, but not limited to, feces, tissue, body fluids, organs, meat, fruits, vegetables, environmental samples) from production systems, slaughterhouses, processing plants, field trials and clinical trials.
Ability and willingness to work with acids and strong bases.

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.

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

Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. You must apply online through https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/opportunities/government.html.

Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying online are asked to contact the email referenced below under “Contact Information.”

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.

Preference

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

Contact information

Apply online