MSc-PhD (Bursary) - Estimating Geofeatures with Agents - 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

This graduate project “Estimating Geofeatures with Agents” will focus on multi-agent Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems to reasonably reproduce simple common geological forms. These would initially include lithospheric scale tectonic features (faults, shear zones and deformation corridors). Extending current hybrid implicit-explicit methods in use, this work will provide a proof of concept and an initial proto-type that could be a base for more challenging geological and sparse data scenarios.

Investigations will focus on developing the ground work for geological knowledge embedding in the multi-agent framework, approaches to non-meshed surface cohesion and propagation algorithms, quaternion implementation for structural agent rotations, as well as 3D graphics rendering of simple structural surfaces such as harmonic and disharmonic fold trains of sedimentary horizons, simple fault networks and single intrusive boundaries. This research will be able to provide a solid conceptual and mathematical grounding for moving ahead with more practical implementation and testing. Agent systems would need to be looked at from a mathematical perspective to formalize relationships, rule-sets and geologically reasonable behaviors. New simulation based methods and research codes will be applied to estimating Canadian examples of tectonic features at depth (faults, shear zones, deformation corridors) in support of critical mineral systems understanding.

Work environment

Working with a dynamic, innovative geoscience team with extensive research and development expertise in 3D geological and geophysical integration at Natural Resources Canada - Geological Survey of Canada, supporting our clean energy transition with the 3D Earth Imaging and Modelling group of the Critical Mineral and Geoscience Data Program. For background on Canadas Critical Mineral Strategy please see The Canadian Critical Minerals Centre of Excellence site:

https://www.canada.ca/en/campaign/critical-minerals-in-canada.html

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 up to two student positions for the completion of a Masters of Science, Masters in Engineering and/or Doctorate in Philosophy degree to be jointly supervised by Dr. Eric A. de Kemp (GSC) and a Canadian University professor.

Positions to be filled: 2

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "A covering letter of approximately 1000 words outlining your interest in the position, and relevant education/experience."

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

Essential Education:
• Currently enrolled, or willing to enroll, at a Canadian University in a Masters or Doctorate program with specialization relevant to the duties of the position.
• Graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Engineering or Earth Sciences, or other relevant specialization from a recognized post-secondary institution.

Degree equivalency

Essential Experience:
• Experience in 3D computer geometry algorithm development.
• Experience in software application development.
• Experience working individually and in teams.

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

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
• Machine Learning (ML) development
• Structural Engineering
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Geoscience processes

Abilities:
• Writing in English

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.
• Ability to travel for fieldwork, conferences, and/or meetings.
• The duration of the project will take place over three and a half year period between 2023 and 2027.

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 a list of courses may be required.

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.

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.