PhD in economic geology on gold metallogeny of the Masères deformation corridor - Research Affiliate Program

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Assessment accommodation

Duties

The Abitibi greenstone belt contains the majority of Canada's gold budget and remains an exceptional exploration target. Research to date provides a thorough understanding of gold systems, but knowledge gaps persist on the genesis, controls and timing of mineralization, particularly in the northern part of the belt.

Within the framework of the Targeted Geoscience Initiative (TGI) of the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC), the research project of the doctoral thesis will study the geological and structural context and the gold metallogeny of the Urban-Barry belt, an understudied but prospective part of the Abitibi subprovince, with an emphasis on the Masères deformation corridor. This corridor hosts two advanced exploration projects (Windfall and Barry) which together contain more than 8 Moz Au. The geology of the belt has similar characteristics to those of the better studied and gold-rich Val-d'Or and Timmins camps of the southern part of Abitibi. The Windfall and Barry deposits and their surroundings are key sites for acquiring new knowledge, as this understudied sector is currently intensely explored.

The main objective of the project is to acquire in-depth geoscientific knowledge on the geological, structural and metallogenic context of the Masères corridor in order to improve the geological and exploration models of this belt, which represents an emerging gold camp in northern Abitibi.

The doctoral candidate will first make a compilation of all relevant geological, structural, lithogeochemical and geophysical data available, including those of partner exploration companies. Geological mapping, description of drill cores and sampling of outcrops, deposits, and prospects in the study area will be carried out. The research will include several analytical methods such as structural analysis, petrography, whole-rock geochemistry, isotopic analysis, mineral chemistry, geochronology, and 3D modelling. The main objectives of the thesis will be to elucidate: (1) the volcano-magmatic and structural evolution along the Masères deformation corridor; (2) petrogenesis and chronology of magmatic units in the area; (3) control(s) on the various styles of mineralization; and (4) the geological and metallogenic history of the central portion of the Urban-Barry belt.

The doctoral study will include a significant component of fieldwork in Abitibi, mainly at the Windfall and Barry sites. The analytical and modeling components will be carried out at INRS laboratories and in the offices of the Ottawa and Quebec divisions of the GSC. With the support of their supervisors and associate researchers, the candidate will publish their results and interpretations in public reports and in peer-reviewed scientific journal articles and make oral and/or poster presentations at scientific, government or industry conferences.

Work environment

At Natural Resources Canada, a Federal government job means developing leadership skills, fostering teamwork, and supporting creativity and innovation. Canada's governments depend on geoscience to inform policy, manage the country's landmass and develop its natural resources responsibly. The Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) is the national organization for geoscientific information and research. Since 1842 the Geological Survey of Canada has produced cutting-edge, authoritative geoscience to support mineral exploration, climate change research, marine and coastal resilience, and natural hazards mapping. Our work supports decision-making in the mining and energy sectors, as well as national sovereignty, hazards risk management and more. The GSC is proud to create a workplace that supports an accessible, equitable, inclusive, and diverse workforce at the ready to tackle current and future science challenges. The GSC provides a stimulating work environment with a passionate team and promotes work-life balance.

Intent of the process

The intention is to staff one student position for the completion of a PhD in economic geology on gold metallogeny of the Masères deformation corridor.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "1500 words max. indicating the areas of research in which you have knowledge and/or experience."

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

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Education:
• 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

Experience/knowledge:
In the context of student recruitment in the federal public service, experience/knowledge can be acquired through studies, work experience or volunteer activities.
• Experience/knowledge of the fundamental disciplines of Earth sciences and advanced Experience/knowledge in metallogeny associated with gold mineralization.
• Experience/knowledge and relevant field studies/experience on gold systems, such as orogenic-type mineralization and related to intrusions in Archean greenstone belts.
• Relevant knowledge and experience for the acquisition, organization and analysis of geological data in a Geographic Information System (GIS) and 3D modeling environment.

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

English or French

Information on language requirements

Abilities:
• Ability to work in a research laboratory and in the field in remote areas.
• Ability to work alone and in a team.
• Ability to communicate effectively within the team and with industrial, academic and governmental partners.
• Ability to communicate results effectively with the public.

Personal Suitability:
• Motivation and dynamism
• 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

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 must be prepared to carry out regular laboratory and field work in 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

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

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).

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

You must provide proof of your education credentials and transcripts.

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.

Preference

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