PhD Student - H2S in Montney Geomicrobiology Studies - 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

Duties

This project involves collaboration with the Lands and Minerals Sector (LMS) of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to investigate possible microbiological processes that generate H2S in hydraulically fractured wells located in the Montney formation in northern Alberta and British Columbia, exposed to sulfate-rich hydraulic fracturing fluids (microbial sulfate reduction [MSR]). Microbiological analysis of samples from these operations will identify key microbial communities that could be impacting the subsurface environment and associated operations. This will complement work by NRCan investigating mineralogy, diagenesis and stable isotopes to understand possible thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) processes occurring. The results from the microbiology studies will be combined with the temporal diagenetic variations of hydrogen sulfide and other measured geochemical parameters to gain a more thorough understanding of the sources and formation mechanisms of hydrogen sulfide in the Montney Formation.

Intent of the process

The intention is to staff one Research Affiliate Program (student) position for completion of a Ph.D. in geomicrobiology or related specialization, at the University of Calgary.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 500 words (maximum) "Candidates should write a one page (maximum) cover letter that outlines their education and experience (see requirements below) and course work related to the position."

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)

• Currently enrolled or able to enroll at the University of Calgary in a Doctorate program with specialization relevant to the duties of the position.
• Graduation with a Master of Science degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized post-secondary institution.

Degree equivalency

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

• Experience in comparative assessment of total (DNA-based) and active (RNA-based) microbial communities within oil and gas operations.
• Experience conducting microbiological analyses with samples from unconventional reservoir operations

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

• Familiarity with the basic processes within hydraulic fracturing operations to understand environmental influences on the microbial communities

• Adaptability
• Initiative
• Judgement
• Self-motivated

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 - This factor is not used at the screening stage. The hiring department is responsible for the security clearance process.

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

We thank all applicants for their interest in our position(s). For the purpose of this staffing process, only candidates selected for further assessment will be contacted.

For this selection process, it is our intention to communicate with candidates via email. Candidates must include a valid email address in their application. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure that this address is functional and that it accepts messages from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email).

A test and/or interview may be administered.

You must provide proof of your education credentials.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.

You must indicate on your application if you require a technical aid for testing or an alternative method of assessment.

Candidates from outside the public service may be required to pay for travel and relocation costs associated with this selection process.

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

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

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