PhD in permafrost methane isotope geochemistry - 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

Thawing permafrost and associated active layer soils present major challenges to Canada’s northern regions. In comparison to the physical impacts of permafrost thaw, studies on the evolution of permafrost active layer (PAL) geochemistry are sparse, even though PAL processes are known to release organic matter (OM), which contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and potentially harmful metal(loid)s.

In this context, the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) has started a program of innovative and integrated permafrost geoscience research to support sustainable development in the Canadian north. This program aims to investigate various aspects of PAL geochemical evolution in a changing climate (i.e. OM molecular and isotopic characterization, metals distribution in ground ice). As part of this program, applications for a PhD position in permafrost isotope geochemistry are being solicited. The position will be based in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at McGill University in Montréal as well as the Delta-Lab of the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) in Québec City (Natural Resources Canada).

The successful candidate will conduct research related to permafrost active layer (PAL) evolution in a changing climate and its impact on GHG emissions. This will be done through the investigation of the in-situ isotopic systematic of methane (CH4) in PAL as well as in selected microbial cultures using multi-isotopic systems including clumped isotopes.

Intent of the process

The intention is to staff one student position for the completion of a PhD - **PhD IN PERMAFROST METHANE ISOTOPE GEOCHEMISTRY .

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "as well as your Bachelor and master's transcripts."

Contact information for 3 references.

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 currently have a master’s degree or equivalent in geosciences, biogeochemistry or other related disciplines in Earth sciences from a recognized Canadian or foreign university.
►The candidate must demonstrate his/her motivation on pursuing graduate studies.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
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 fundamental geosciences disciplines.
►Relevant knowledge and experience in analytical geochemistry
►Knowledge and experience in applications stable isotope geochemistry techniques

Abilities and Skills
►Ability to communicate effectively within a team and partners.
►Ability to work independently and in a group.
►Ability to present his/her findings effectively orally and in writing.

Personal qualities:
►Motivation
►Autonomy
►Integrity and professionalism
►Diligence

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 - 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 McGill University (Montreal, QC) for this PhD degree, where his/her co-supervisor is located.

• 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

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