Student – Doctorate in economic geology on the metallogeny of the Fenelon gold deposit, Eeyou Itsche - Research Affiliate Program

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Assessment accommodation

Duties

The Abitibi greenstone belt contains the largest portion of Canada’s gold budget and remains a prime exploration target. Research to date provided an in-depth understanding of the gold systems but several knowledge gaps remain regarding the genesis, controls, and precise timing of mineralization, especially in the northern part of the belt.

As part of the Targeted Geoscience Initiative (TGI) of the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC), the PhD thesis research project will study the geological setting and gold metallogeny of the poorly exposed but prospective Detour-Harricana-Turgeon belt of the NW part of the Abitibi subprovince, with an emphasis on the Fenelon gold deposit. The geology of the belt comprises features similar to the better-studied and well-endowed Timmins and Val-d’Or districts in southern Abitibi. Situated in a similar setting than the ~25 Moz Detour Lake gold mine, ~70 km to the west, the Fenelon deposit is a key site to acquire new knowledge as it is intensely being explored and has seen very limited research. The main goal of the project is to acquire advanced geoscience knowledge on the geological setting and genesis of the Fenelon deposit in order to improve both the geological and exploration models for that understudied belt, which represents an emerging gold district in northern Abitibi.

The PhD candidate will first compile available geological, lithogeochemical, and relevant geophysical data in the study area, including that of partnered exploration and mining companies. Geological mapping and core logging and sampling will be conducted on the main ore deposits and prospects of the study area, with an emphasis on the Fenelon deposit. The research will use analytical methods such as petrography, fluid inclusion, microthermometry, whole rock and isotope geochemistry, mineral chemistry, structural analysis, 3D modeling, and geochronology. The main objectives of the thesis are to unravel: (1) the geological and structural controls on mineralization in the Fenelon gold deposit; (2) the origin and timing of multiple gold events at the Fenelon Gold Deposit and the age of host rocks, and (3) produce a synthesis of the geological and metallogenic history of the eastern portion of the Detour-Fenelon Gold Belt.

The PhD study will comprise an important field-based research component in NW Abitibi, principally at the Fenelon mine site, and analytical and modeling components to be undertaken at McGill University, in Montreal, and at the Ottawa and Quebec offices of the GSC. With the support of thesis supervisors and associated colleagues, the candidate will write and publish on his results and interpretations in open file reports and in peer-reviewed scientific journal articles, and give oral and/or poster presentations during scientific, governmental and industrial meetings/conferences.

Intent of the process

The intention is to staff one student position for the completion of a PhD -
** DOCTORATE IN ECONOMIC GEOLOGY ON THE METALLOGENY OF THE FENELON GOLD DEPOSIT, EEYOU ITSCHEE JAMES BAY, QUEBEC.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "(maximum 1000 mots) demonstrating how the experience, knowledge and abilities of the applicant meet the study objectives and related duties."

Contact information for 2 references.

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

English or French

Information on language requirements

The candidate must currently have a master’s degree in Geology or Earth sciences from a recognized Canadian or foreign university.
►The candidate must demonstrate his/her motivation on pursuing graduate studies.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCES/KNOWLEDGES:
In the context of student recruitment in the federal public service, experience can be acquired through studies, work experience or volunteer activities.
►Knowledge of fundamental geosciences disciplines with advanced knowledge in structural geology, igneous petrology, and metallogeny related to gold mineralization.
►Knowledge and pertinent study/fieldwork experience in gold ore system, such as orogenic and intrusion-associated gold deposits in Archean greenstone belts.
►Knowledge and pertinent experience for gathering, managing and analyzing data in a geographic information system (GIS) and 3D modeling software.

ABILITIES:
►Ability to work in a research laboratory and field environment in remote locations.
►Ability to work independently and in a group.
►Ability to communicate effectively within a team and to industry/academic/governmental partners.
►Ability to present findings effectively to the public

PERSONAL QUALITIES:
►Motivation and resourcefulness
►Autonomy and proactivity
►Integrity and professionalism

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 admitted to the Doctorate degree program at McGill University (Montreal, Quebec; Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences) and registered to the fall 2021 semester.
►The student must be ready to do regular laboratory work and frequent travel for fieldwork in mine sites and remote areas.

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.
References 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.