PhD in economic geology on critical minerals in iron oxide deposits - Research Affiliate Program

Important messages

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Assessment accommodation

Duties

Within the framework of the Critical Mineral Geoscience & Data program (CMGD) of the Geological Survey of Canada, the research project of the doctoral thesis will examine rare-earth (REE) and high field strength element (HFSE) potential and controls in magnetite-apatite rocks, Great Bear Magmatic Zone (GBMZ), NT. At present, the distribution and tenor of the REE and HFSE in multiple IO/IOCG exploration projects in this belt is very poorly understood. The main objective of the project is to acquire in-depth geoscientific knowledge on the geological, mineralogical and metallogenic aspects of REE/HFSE in IO/IOCG deposits in the GBMZ to improve geological and exploration models of the belt. The project will use modern geochemical and petrographic techniques coupled with state-of-the-art analytical methods (e.g., SEM, EMPA, melt- and fluid-inclusion microthermometry, Raman, SIMS, LA-ICP-MS) on archived samples and new samples from additional fieldwork (as required).

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 up to one student position for the completion of a PhD in economic geology to be jointly supervised by Dr. Bruce A. Kjarsgaard (GSC) and a Canadian University professor.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "A covering letter (1500 words maximum) 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)

Essential Education:
• Graduation with a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Geology, Earth Sciences, Geosciences or other relevant specialization from a recognized Canadian or foreign University.
• Currently enrolled or willing to enroll at the University of Alberta in a PhD program in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences with specialization relevant to the duties of the position.
• MSc level graduate courses in ore deposit geology, mineralogy and crystallography, isotope geology, igneous/metamorphic petrology.

Degree equivalency

Essential Experience:
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 expertise/knowledge of field mapping and petrography/mineralogy.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Essential Knowledge:
• Relevant knowledge and experience for the acquisition, organization and analysis of geological data in a geographic Information system (GIS).
• Working knowledge and ability to perform SEM, EMPA and XRF analyses.

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 government partners.
• Ability to communicate results effectively with the public.

Personal Suitability:
• Motivation and dynamisms.
• 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 group: 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.
• The duration of the project will take place over 3 years (autumn 2023 – 2026), with an optional 4th year.

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.