PhD on Numerical modelling in cryohydrogeology - Meliadine Mine Area, Nunavut - Research Affiliate Program

Update: Closing date has been extended.

Important messages

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Assessment accommodation

On October 6, 2021, the Government of Canada announced details of its plans to require vaccination across the federal public service.
As per the new Policy on COVID-19 Vaccination for the Core Public Administration Including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, federal public servants in the Core Public Administration and members of the RCMP must attest to their vaccination status. The requirement for employees to be fully vaccinated applies whether they are teleworking, working remotely or working on-site. This is a condition of employment and it applies to indeterminate (permanent), determinate (term), casual, and student hiring. Should you reach the point in the selection process where it is necessary to verify terms and conditions of employment then the hiring manager or a human resources representative will contact you in order to complete an attestation.

To be considered for Research Affiliate Program (RAP) work opportunities, you must meet the following criteria:
► The student will need to be registered at the Université Laval (ulaval) for this PhD degree.
► Be the minimum age to work in the province or territory where the job is located.

Duties

We are looking for a motivated, independent PhD student to work on a collaborative project with experience in hydrogeology and numerical modelling. A strong background in geology or geological engineering is also desired. The project is in the area of numerical modelling of cryohydrogeological systems. These systems are affected by various complex processes such as groundwater flow and surface water of varying temperature and density, heat and mass transport (salinity), permafrost freeze/thaw, fracture density of rock formations, climate change, etc. Although general knowledge of these processes is increasingly well developed, knowledge of the open talik context under the lake, for example, remains incomplete. The PhD student will develop a research project that will improve our knowledge of these processes through numerical modelling. The study of taliks will be the focus of the project. The different processes will be taken into account to determine the origin of the water (recharge and outlet), the effect of climate change and possibly of some anthropogenic activities. The tasks envisaged are: 1) to collect data: literature review and field work (possible); 2) to develop conceptual models of groundwater flow, transport (heat and salinity) and permafrost freezing/thawing in fractured environments; 3) to develop a numerical model to simulate the transient behavior of a talik system, including climate change; 4) to perform simulations and scenario analyses and to interpret them and to prepare journal papers and conference presentations.

Intent of the process

The intention is to staff one student position for the completion of an PhD.
** PhD on Numerical modelling in cryohydrogeology.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter

Contact information for 2 references.

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

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

English essential
Knowledge of French is desirable but not a prerequisite. The courses are mainly given in French, but assignments, reports and theses can be written in English.

Information on language requirements

Education:
• The candidate must be in her/his final year of a master degree from a recognized university with a specialization in an environmental science field such as geology, geological engineering, or environmental science. This PhD is contingent upon graduation in May/June.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
• Experience in hydrogeology and numerical modelling*.
* In the context of student recruitment in the federal public service, experience can be acquired through studies, work experience or volunteer activities.

Knowledge:
• Knowledge of scientific concepts in geology, hydrogeology and permafrost.
• Knowledge and/or interest in numerical modelling and programming.

Abilities and Skills
• Ability to communicate effectively orally.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Personal qualities:
• Motivation
• Need to be able to work efficiently in a collaborative team
• Independence.

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

• The student will need to go through a security investigation (as any federal employee).
• The student will need to be registered at the Université Laval (ulaval) for this PhD degree, where his/her advisor will be located, and reside in Quebec city.
• The student must be ready to do fieldwork in Nunavut and irregular work hours.
• The student must be ready to travel for relatively long periods (a few days/weeks).
• The student must have a valid driver’s license.
• All employees of the core public administration are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and attest to their vaccination status unless accommodated based on a medical contraindication, religion, or another prohibited ground for discrimination as defined under the Canadian Human Rights Act.

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 will 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.