Natural Resources Canada, in collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Health Canada & Public Health Agency of Canada is looking for recent graduates in a field of natural sciences to join the Postdoctoral Research Program.
The Postdoctoral Research Program provides scientists, who have recently obtained a doctoral degree in a field of natural sciences, with the opportunity to work with research groups or leaders in Canadian government laboratories and research institutions located across Canada. In turn, the Government of Canada benefits from new and emerging talent.
Federal research scientists contribute to strategic decisions, policies, regulations and programs by providing a sound scientific knowledge base through their research. Research scientists perform their work in pursuance of departmental mandates in order to attain specified outcomes and to conceptualize, identify, formulate and set in motion new outcomes in delivering programs, meeting the future needs of the department.
Successful candidates will be hired as term Scientific Research (SE-RES) employees. To view the salary scale, please refer to the SE sub-group – Scientific Research SE-RES.
Education
We are looking for candidates who have graduated within the last 3 (three) years* with a doctoral degree in a field of natural sciences.
*Special consideration may be given to applicants who were unable to apply during the 3-year period, due to a significant career interruption or delay. If this concerns your eligibility to the program, please contact the PRP Mailbox (nrcan.PRP.rncan@canada.ca).
Applications will be accepted if applicants are currently enrolled in a doctoral program at a recognized post-secondary institution; however, candidates must meet the education requirements in order to be appointed to a position.
Candidates with foreign credentials (obtained outside of Canada) must provide proof of Canadian equivalency.
Your Role as a Scientific Researcher
Federal research scientists contribute to strategic decisions, policies, regulations and programs by providing a sound scientific knowledge base through their research. Research scientists perform their work in pursuance of departmental mandates in order to attain specified outcomes and to conceptualize, identify, formulate and set in motion new outcomes in delivering programs, meeting the future needs of the department. This includes;
- Conduct research that contributes to improvements in theories and/or techniques through the innovation or modification of concepts, theories, and approaches and/or new solutions.
- Plan, organize, conduct and control research projects and/or field work under guidance.
- Conceive, carry out, and report on research and development projects and/or field work with guidance.
- Responsible for carrying out research for decisions affecting own research, and the integrity of data and their analysis.
- Write and publish papers and reports documenting and interpreting results of research.
- Contribute to expert-reviewed research publications.
- Represent own research in meetings/events and discussing research outcomes. Attend workshops and/or conferences and present paper(s) on own research.
Process Intent
The intent of this process is to create an inventory of candidates to staff various Scientific Researcher (SE-RES) positions. These positions vary in duration, language requirements, conditions of employment, locations across Canada and salary*.
Natural Resources Canada Postdoctoral Research Program Eligibilty
Eligible candidates are included in an inventory that is accessible to hiring managers from participating federal organizations. When there are vacancies to be filled, hiring managers use the inventory to identify candidates with the required specializations and experience. Hiring managers then contact and assess successful candidates. Candidates are required to meet all Essential Qualifications.
Education
Candidates must have obtained:
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A doctoral degree (PhD) within the last three (3) years* from a recognized post-secondary institution in a field of natural sciences** with a specialization related to the duties of the position, or;
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In instances where the doctoral degree (PhD) obtained within the last three (3) years was not in a field of natural sciences, an acceptable combination of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a scientific field, coupled with acceptable research, training and experience may be considered.
Haven’t graduated yet?
Experience
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Experience in planning and conducting research.
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Experience in working with a team of researchers and support staff.
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Experience resulting in a recognized achievement in the form of authorship and editorship of published or unpublished reports, books, papers, peer-reviewed scientific journals, or other communications. This experience must have been acquired through one of the following means:
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Research, experimental development, or tasking associated with operational equipment and problems;
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Operational research and scientific analysis;
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Planning, analysis, and evaluation of Canadian and foreign programs in research and development, or;
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Developmental work leading to the issue of patents, copyrights, or the creation of improved varieties, functions, or designs, and/or recognition by the professional community of the research environment.
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Additional experience criteria may be added based on the position being staffed.
Competencies
Candidates must possess the following competencies:
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Showing Initiative and being action-oriented
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Judgment
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Working effectively with others
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Effective Communications
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Uphold Integrity and Respect
Additional competencies may be added based on the position being staffed.
Conditions of Employment
Conditions of employment are required and may vary depending on the position being staffed.
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COVID-19 Vaccination*
- Bilingual proficiency (Imperative and Non-Imperative (BBB/BBB, CBC/CBC, CCC/CCC))
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Reliability or Secret security clearance
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Willingness and ability to travel within and/or outside Canada
- Willingness and ability to work overtime on short notice or without notice
How to Apply
In your application, you’ll be asked to provide information about yourself and your education, answer screening questions regarding previous professional experience and to upload your CV. You may view the PRP application in preview mode* to know what to except.
*Please note: Applications cannot be submitted in preview mode. The preview mode is intended to give candidates an overview of the application form before getting started. Please return to the PRP application page to submit your application.
We highly encourage candidates to complete their application in one sitting. This application will take approximately 60 minutes to complete. The system will not log you out if you require more time to complete your application.