Doctorate in economic geology on metallogeny and geologic controls of the Detour Lake gold deposit - 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.

The PhD thesis research project will study the geological setting and genesis of the Detour Lake deposit in order to improve both the geological and exploration models. The main objectives of the thesis are to: (1) Characterize the gold mineralization styles and events including their origins, timing, host rocks, and alteration footprint, (2) unravel the geological and structural controls on mineralization and high-grade ore shoots, including their relationships to the Sunday Lake deformation zone; and (3) integrate results and contribute to produce a geological and metallogenic model of the Detour Lake-Fenelon Gold Belt.

The PhD study will comprise an important field-based (mostly at the Detour Lake mine) research component comprising core logging and sampling and geological mapping. The multidisciplinary research will use analytical methods such as petrography, whole rock and isotope geochemistry, mineral chemistry, structural analysis, 3D modeling, and geochronology. 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 conferences.

Work environment

The Mineral Exploration Research Centre (MERC) is a semi-autonomous research centre at Laurentian University that was established in 1997. It is affiliated with the Harquail School of Earth Sciences at Laurentian University and is one of seven mining-related research centres and departments at Laurentian that form an integral part of the Goodman School of Mines. MERC comprises an internationally recognized group of researchers from academia, industry and government. MERC has more 75 faculty, research scientists, and graduate students working on mineral deposits, Precambrian geology, and exploration methodology and targeting, all housed within offices and labs of the Willet Green Miller Centre on the Laurentian University campus. MERC is governed by an Advisory Board comprised of industry, government and academic leaders. MERC’s mission is to conduct and promote cutting-edge, field-based, collaborative research on mineral deposits and their environments, and to educate and train highly qualified personnel for careers in the minerals industry, academia or government.

A graduate studies program undertaken in collaboration with Natural Resources Canada 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 metallogeny and geologic controls of the Detour Lake gold deposit, NE Ontario.

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.

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

English or French

Information on language requirements

Essential Education:
• The candidate must 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

Essential experience and knowledge:
• 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.

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

• 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.

Essential personal suitabilities:
• 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 will need to be registered full-time, or accepted and registered full-time by the date of appointment, in the in the Mineral Deposits and Precambrian Geology doctoral program at Laurentian University (MERC)
• 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 transcript.

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.