PhD (Bursary) - Development of a 3D teleseismic tomography inversion method - Research Affiliate Program

Important messages

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Assessment accommodation

Duties

We are seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. student in geophysics to develop and implement a novel passive seismic data tomographic inversion method for mapping subsurface structures of the Earth's lithosphere. This position will involve theory development and the application of the method to synthetic and real data. This method will be used to determine 3D lithospheric velocity and anisotropy models using surface waves and body waves from local earthquakes and teleseismic events. This project will deepen our understanding of crust and upper mantle architecture and its relationship to critical mineral systems at a national scale. The candidate will be expected to regularly attend group meetings, actively collaborate within the research group, and publish the results in peer-reviewed journals.

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 one student position for the completion of a Doctor of Philosophy degree to be jointly supervised by Dr. Hossein Jodeiri Akbari Fam (GSC) and a Canadian University professor.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "A covering letter of approximately 500 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 Ph.D. program with specialization relevant to the duties of the position.
• Graduation with a Master of Science in Earth Science, Geophysics, Mathematics, Physics, or related disciplines from a recognized post-secondary institution (see degree equivalency for more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/gc-jobs/degree-equivalency.html)

Degree equivalency

Essential Experience:
In the context of student recruitment in the federal public service, experience can be acquired through studies, work experience or volunteer activities. The successful candidates are expected to have experience in:
• Signal processing,
• Computer programming,
• Describing geological deformation, and
• Working individually and in teams.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Essential Knowledge:
• A strong foundation in mathematics, particularly in geometry, optimization theory, numerical methods, and partial differential equations.
• Familiarity with programming languages such as MATLAB, Python, Fortran, or C.

Abilities:
• Good written and oral communication skills in English.

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

Asset Knowledge:
• Knowledge in various tomography approaches and seismic imaging algorithms.
• Knowledge in 3D ray-tracing techniques and seismic waveform modelling.

Organizational Needs:
Natural Resources Canada is committed to establishing and maintaining a representative workforce. This organizational need may be identified as part of the appointment decision. In such cases, qualified candidates who self-declare as members of a visible minority group, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities or women could be considered in priority.

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 3 years between 2024 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.