Research Assistant, H2 Storage - PhD Student - Research Affiliate Program

Important messages

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Assessment accommodation

Duties

This project involves evaluating the potential for mechanical failure of various host and cap rocks intended to contain and store H2 gases in the subsurface. By characterizing the mechanical strength and potential weakening of these target reservoirs via various injection and withdrawal pressures, the objective is to ensure that the integrity of these rocks is maintained, and containment is ensured over the life of the project. It is envisaged that the outcomes of this project will provide the foundation for defining a standard procedure to determine the suitability of candidate rock formations for storing H2 and aid in future design and risk assessment. Key objectives for this activity include advancing our understanding of potential failure mechanics via: 1) hydraulic fracturing and analyzing the resultant fracture geometry of target reservoir samples while accounting for field stresses 2) high-pressure cyclical gas injection and withdrawal to evaluate the target reservoirs' integrity over time, 3) monitoring and interpretation of the potential fracture events via remote sensing, and 4) measuring any changes in rock properties when exposed to H2 gas. The work will involve going through the entire cycle of rock testing including sample preparation, conducting experiments according to industry standards, processing and analyzing experiment results, imaging structures present in the rock, and innovative laboratory modifications to overcome challenges that may arise.

Work environment

At Natural Resources Canada, a Federal government job means developing leadership skills, fostering teamwork, and supporting creativity and innovation. We know it takes people from diverse pools of talent to make this happen. That is why we are looking for people like you. As an employee at Natural Resources Canada you can enjoy diverse employment opportunities, a range of career development programs, and a learning culture that supports you to learn on an ongoing basis. We support balancing your work and private life by offering the benefits of flexible work arrangements.

The Geological Survey of Canada is a part of the Lands and Minerals Sector of Natural Resources Canada. It is Canada's premier agency for geoscientific information and research, with world-class expertise focusing on geoscience surveys, sustainable development of Canada's resources, environmental protection, and technology innovation by acquiring, interpreting and disseminating geoscience information concerning Canada's landmass, including the offshore.

Intent of the process

The intention is to staff two (2) student positions for the completion of a Doctor of Engineering degree.

Positions to be filled: 2

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "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)

• Master’s degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering from a recognized post-secondary institution.
• Currently enrolled or willing to enroll in a PhD program at the University of Toronto with specialization relevant to the position.

Degree equivalency

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

• Proven research experience in data mining and scientific literature review.
• Experience in full cycle rock mechanics characterization experiments, including preparing, conducting, processing, and the interpretation of results.
• Experience and familiarity with concepts of destructive and non-destructive u-CT imaging of micron-scale fractures in rocks and various porous media.

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

• X-Ray Certification for laboratory operation of X-Ray equipment

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

• Familiar with fundamental rock mechanics principles relating to mechanically and/or hydraulically induced fracture initiation and propagation
• Full understanding of all standard rock testing standards (ASTM, ISRM)

• Competency in programing languages including Python, MATLAB for data processing.
• Ability to use fluent rock multi-physics modeling software.
• Skilled in operating machinery such as surface grinders and rock saws to prepare rock samples for experimentation and/or imaging.

• 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

Natural Resources Canada is committed to establishing and maintaining a representative workforce. Qualified candidates who self-declare as members of a Visible Minority group, Aboriginal peoples, Persons with Disabilities, or Women could be selected to meet an employment equity gap.

Conditions of employment

• Reliability Status security clearance - 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.

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 further information on the Research Affiliate Program (RAP), please visit:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/recruitment/students/research-affiliate-program.html

You must provide proof of your education credentials. Transcripts and a list of courses may be required.

Reference checks may be sought.

An interview may be administered.

A test may be administered.

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

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.

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).

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.

Preference

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