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MSc Student in Freshwater Fish Ecology
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
CAD 25.17-31.69 / hour
Posted on Jul 11, 2025
MSc Student in Freshwater Fish Ecology - Research Affiliate Program
Reference number: DFO25J-021391-000440
Selection process number: 25-DFO-CEN-Stu-654167
Selection process number: 25-DFO-CEN-Stu-654167
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.
The candidate(s) will be required to be registered as a Master of Science (MSc) student in the Department of Biology at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, under the supervision of Dr. Paul Blanchfield and may conduct laboratory and field work out of the Freshwater Institute, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Some essential qualifications will be assessed through your application. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate examples that illustrate how you meet each qualification. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard are stronger and most effective when we reflect the diversity of the Canadian population we serve. In support of achieving a diversified workforce, first consideration may be given to candidates self-declaring as belonging to one of the following employment equity groups: Indigenous Peoples, Visible Minorities, Persons with Disabilities, and Women. As part of your application to this selection process, we invite you to self-declare which employment equity group(s) you belong to. To learn more, visit our website on Self-declaring for Government of Canada jobs. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/opportunities/government/self-declaring-governmentcanada-jobs.html
Duties
Organize, QA/QC, and analyze fish telemetry data and habitat data to examine fish habitat use in freshwater lakes.
Work in a laboratory environment to prepare fish and invertebrate tissue samples for various analyses (ageing, stable isotope, etc.).
Interact and work collaboratively with project collaborators from academia, NGO’s and government agencies.
Present scientific results to colleagues and at a scientific conference.
Interpret data and publish results in peer-reviewed journals and/or government reports.
Work environment
The Ecosystem Sciences Division (ESD) in the Ontario and Prairie Region of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), is based at the Freshwater Institute in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Freshwater Ecosystems Research Section, as part of the ESD, conducts detailed ecological studies that aim to understand linkages between fish and fish habitat to support regional strategic priorities as well as to provide advice to the Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program.
Acoustic telemetry has become an important tool for understanding fish habitat use in freshwater lakes. Fisheries and Oceans Canada has deployed acoustic receiver arrays in a number of freshwater lakes to monitor the natural behaviour of fish. In one lake we have been examining seasonal habitat use by multiple fish species in advance of conducting a whole-ecosystem experiment that will introduce pile-driving noise. This study will involve analysis of high-frequency fish telemetry data to quantify the short-term behavioural responses of fish to pile-driving noise, and whether their habitat choices are altered because of the experimental noise disturbance. In another project, we have been monitoring the behaviour and habitat use of a single species through time (20+ years) to examine the influence of climate on habitat availability and use. For both projects, we have now amassed large datasets on fish spatial and pelagic distributions. The MSc student(s) will analyse the available fish telemetry data and associated supporting data (diet, limnology, meteorology, etc.) to describe fish-habitat associations in the study lakes, and their response to stressors (i.e. noise or climate).
The Department of Biology at Queen’s University is dedicated to integrating discovery and learning in biology that transcends research fields to tackle questions across the diversity of life from molecules to ecosystems. The Department is part of the solution to emerging local and global issues and has core values of scholarship, inclusion, community, and engagement. Scholarship - Fostering excellence in teaching, discovery, and innovation in the field of biology. Inclusion - Creating learning, teaching, and research environments where diverse perspectives are valued and respected.
Community - Building a community that is welcoming and supportive of all its members.
Engagement - Sharing knowledge broadly and promoting science and education in society.
Positions to be filled: 2
Information you must provide
Your résumé.
Contact information for 2 references.
In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)
Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a natural, physical or applied science with specialization in Bioinformatics, Biostatistics or a field relevant to the duties of the position.
Currently enrolled or willing to enroll in September 2025 in the Master of Science program at Queen’s University within the Department of Biology (proof of enrollment will be required before the work term starts).
Experience* with statistical and spatial analysis of ecological data of various types.
*Experience can be acquired through studies, work experience or volunteer activities.
Experience* in writing research documents suitable for publication.
*Experience can be acquired through studies, 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
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing*.
*Please note that this criteria will be assessed via a work sample, to be provided by the candidate.
Initiative
Effective Interpersonal Skills
Judgment
The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)
Selection may be limited to members of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women
Information on employment equity
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.
Valid Health Canada Medical - required to complete field work.
Willingness to travel within Canada including to field locations.
Maintaining your student status is a condition of employment. Once you have defended your thesis you are no longer eligible for the program.
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 on-line through www.jobs.gc.ca.
The Public Service of Canada is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or testing, you should advise the Public Service Commission or the departmental official in a timely fashion of the accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.
Reference Checks may be sought.
Candidates will be communicated with via e-mail. In your application, please include the e-mail address that you wish to use for communication purposes throughout this recruitment initiative. It is your responsibility to verify your e-mail account on a regular basis.
Preference
Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Contact information
| Brittany Pybus, Human Resources Advisor |
|---|
| Brittany.Pybus@dfo-mpo.gc.ca |
- Date modified:
- 2025-06-16