PhD in prospectivity mapping of VMS deposits using AI - Research Affiliate Program

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Assessment accommodation

Duties

Artificial intelligence, specifically deep learning methods allow for the integration of geological, geophysical and geochemical data to create comprehensive models for critical mineral prospectivity mapping. The models can be trained to predict the likelihood of finding critical minerals such as copper and zinc in Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide deposits.

The proposed research on applying deep learning for critical minerals prospectivity mapping in Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide (VMS) deposits stems from the need to efficiently identify potential critical mineral resources. There are close to 350 known VMS deposits and sub-economic occurrences in Canada and they account for a significant part of the production of some critical minerals including 27% of Canada's Cu and 49% of its Zn.

Geological prospectivity mapping relies on geological, geophysical and geochemical data analysis. As the volume of the data grows, the data patterns become increasingly complex. Therefore, deep learning algorithms employing hierarchical nonlinear transformations provide a potential way forward in data interpretation. Artificial intelligence, especially its subset deep learning, excels at recognizing patterns and relationships within complex data.

Within the framework of the Critical Minerals Geoscience and Data (CMGD) Initiative of the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC), the research project of the doctoral thesis will study the development of robust predictive models utilizing deep learning techniques to map the prospectivity of critical minerals within various types of VMS deposits.

The doctoral candidate will first make a compilation of all relevant geological, structural, geochemical and geophysical data. Then investigates and apply deep learning algorithms using python, Tensorflow, PyTorch, and other necessary programming software. With the support of their supervisors, the candidate will publish their results and interpretations in public reports and in peer-reviewed scientific journal 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. We know it takes people from diverse pools of talent to make this happen. That is why we are looking for people like you. As an employee at Natural Resources Canada you can enjoy diverse employment opportunities, a range of career development programs, and a learning culture that supports you to learn on an ongoing basis. We support balancing your work and private life by offering the benefits of flexible work arrangements.

Intent of the process

The intention is to staff one student position for the completion of a PhD in prospectivity mapping of Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide (VMS) deposits using AI.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "A covering letter "300 words max. indicating the areas of research in which you have knowledge and/or experience."

A response to a text question addressing the following:

• Please indicate which one:

Contact information for 2 references.

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

Essential Education:
• The candidate must have obtained a master’s degree in Geology-Earth sciences from a recognized Canadian or foreign university.

Degree equivalency

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

English or French

Information on language requirements

Essential Experience:
• The candidate must have solid experience in programming and/or the use of AI methods.
• The candidate must demonstrate his/her motivation on pursuing graduate studies.

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

Essential knowledge:
• Knowledge of the fundamental disciplines of Earth sciences.
• Knowledge and relevant experience in programming with Python and machine learning.
• Knowledge and relevant experience for the acquisition and analysis of geological data in a Geographic Information System (GIS).

Essential abilities and skills:
• Ability to work in a research laboratory.
• 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 enrolled at Institut national de la recherche scientifique (Québec, Québec) for this PhD degree, where his/her director is located.

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.

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.