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

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada- Science and Technology Branch

Employment tenure
The projected start date is April 2027 with an end date of March 31, 2029 (or depending on the candidate's availability or needs). It is expected that the student will work 37.5 hours per week from April until end of August and 10-15 hours per week during the school term.

Salary
$25.17 to $31.69 per hour-Varies as per the level of education and experience.

Who can apply
Persons residing in Canada, Canadian citizens, and Permanent residents abroad. 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.

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:





- Collate information on potential ERW rocks across Canada.
- Conduct a literature review on the subject of ERW.
- 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.
- Collect and prepare rock and soil samples and analyze them according to different methodologies.
- Working with economics specialist to conduct a basic economic analysis on ERW specific to Canada.
- Organize, analyze and interpret the collected data and write a report or scientific papers.
- 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.

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.

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:
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📌 MSc Research Opportunity: Unlocking the Potential of Inorganic Carbon Storage in Agricultural Soils (Ahuntsic)
🏢 Employment and Social Development Canada
📍 Ahuntsic