Student Ph.D. on Metallogenesis of Polymetallic Ni-Cr Systems in Canada - 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

To be considered for Research Affiliate Program (RAP) work opportunities, you must meet the following criteria:
• Be recognized as having full-time student status by the Laurentian University (Sudbury, Ontario). (Proof will be required before the commencement of the PhD).
• Be enrolled in an academic program that requires research as part of your curriculum.
• Be the minimum age to work in the province or territory where the job is located.

Duties

Mafic to ultramafic (Mg-Fe-rich) magmatic systems are the dominant ore systems to generate deposits of Ni, Cu, Co, PGEs, Cr, Ti and V, most of which are considered as “critical metals” for the Canadian economy. Ultramafic and mafic intrusions/flows are ubiquitous in greenstone belts across the Superior Province and are prospective hosts for these critical metals, although their abundance and endowment vary widely among the terranes/domains. The main goal of this project is to acquire advanced geoscience knowledge on few large mafic to ultramafic magmatic systems in order to establish the possible links between related polymetallic Ni and Cr mineralization in these ore systems.

The PhD candidate will compile available geological, lithogeochemical, and relevant geophysical data for Cr-Ni-Cu-(PGE) systems and barren equivalents in the three areas, including the Ring of Fire (Ontario), Shebandowan (Ontario), and Lac des Montagnes/Lac Fed (Quebec). Geological mapping and core logging will be conducted in these areas. The petrographic work on cumulates rocks and lavas will be examined in thin and polished section to establish mineralogical and textural relationships relevant to their petrogenesis, and compared to existing petrographic data for Ring of Fire and Abitibi rocks. They will be compared with published data on similar systems elsewhere, including the Cr and Ni-Cu-PGE deposits in the Uitikomst Complex in South Africa. This work will follow up with whole-rock and igneous mineral chemistry to establish parental magma compositions, which will be critical in constraining metal contents and sulphides/oxide saturation histories. Some isotope geochemistry (e.g., Sm-Nd and Lu-Hf) will be conducted to help constrain the mantle source and sources of contamination. Finally, numerical modelling of thermomechanical erosion, AFC processes, and silicate-oxide-sulphide phase equilibria will be done using MELTS and custom FORTRAN, C++, and MatLab/Python codes.

Intent of the process

The intention is to staff one student position for the completion of a PhD -
**PhD PROJECT ON THE PETROGENESIS AND METALLOGENESIS OF POLYMETALLIC CR-NI-CU-PGE SYSTEMS IN SUPERIOR PROVINCE, CANADA.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 2 references.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

►The candidate must currently have a master’s degree in Geology or Earth sciences from a recognized Canadian or foreign post-secondary Institution.
►This PhD is conditional on obtaining funding from the research project.
►The candidate must demonstrate his/her motivation on pursuing graduate studies.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCES:
In the context of student recruitment in the federal public service, experience can be acquired through studies, work experience or volunteer activities.
►Experience in igneous petrology, and metallogeny related to orthomagmatic Ni-Cr mineralization.
►Fieldwork experience in Ni-Cu-PGE-Cr ore system, such as Ni-Cr deposit associated with mafic and ultramafic intrusions in Archean terrains.
►Relevant experience for gathering, managing and analyzing data in a geographic information system (GIS).
►Relevant experience with software such as MELTS and custom FORTRAN, C++, and MatLab/Python codes.

ABILITIES:
►Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

PERSONAL QUALITIES:
►Motivation
►Autonomy
►Integrity and professionalism
►Hard worker

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

The Department of Natural Resources Canada is committed to having a skilled and diversified workforce representative of the population we serve. In support of our strategy to achieve employment equity goals, selection may be limited to candidates self-identifying as belonging to one of the following Employment Equity groups: women, Aboriginal persons, persons with a disability and members of visible minority groups.

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. Therefore, the student will be asked by the hiring organization to complete security-related documents.

►The student will need to be enrolled at Laurentian University (Sudbury, Ontario) for this PhD degree, where the director is located.
►The student must be ready to do regular laboratory work and fieldwork in remote areas as requested by the project supervisors.

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

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 written examination may be administered.
An interview may be conducted.
Reference may be sought.

You must provide proof of your education credentials. Candidates with foreign credentials must provide proof of Canadian equivalency. Consult the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials for further information at http://www.cicic.ca/.

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.