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Komatiite-associated deposits in Archean and Proterozoic greenstone belts is the important example of magmatic mineralization hosted by volcanic and high-level intrusive rocks that consist of a significant source of critical metals such as Ni, Cu, Co, and PGEs. These deposits are characterized by a wide variety of mineralization types, but most common are basal stratiform (massive, net-textured, and disseminated sulfides) and internal strata-bound disseminated sulfides. This study will take place in the Venus greenstone belt (VGB)
This research project, located in the northern part of the La Grande domain within the Superior Province, will tackle the study of the Lac Gayot komatiitic succession occurring within the Mesoarchean Venus greenstone belt (VGB). It consists of a lower amphibolite facies volcano-sedimentary succession which extends over a strike length of 15 km. It consists of two main lithological packages: 1) a lower one, dated at 2880±2 Ma, composed of calc-alkaline felsic to intermediate volcanic and sedimentary rocks intruded by differentiated komatiitic dikes and sills (Lower Komatiite unit: LKU) and 2) an upper one that consists of a thick sequence of tholeiitic basalts intercalated with thin spinifex-textured komatiitic basalts (Upper Komatiite unit: UKU). The limit between the two lithological packages is marked by sulfide-rich exhalative horizons. The VGB hosts, so far, 13 high-grade Ni-Cu-Co-(PGE) occurrences, which make this area one of the most prospective sectors for this type of mineralization within the Superior, outside the Abitibi greenstone belt.
As part of the Geological Survey of Canada's (GSC) Targeted Geoscience Initiative (TGI) program, the candidate will first compile all relevant geological, structural, lithogeochemical and geophysical data available from Perseverance Metals Inc. Geological mapping, core logging and sampling of the komatiitic flows/sills/dykes and mineral showings in the study area will be conducted. The research will include a variety of analytical methods including geological mapping, core mapping, petrography, whole rock geochemistry, isotopic analysis, mineral chemistry and 3D modeling. The primary objective of this M.Sc. project is to characterize the ore environment of Ni-Cu-(PGE) mineralization (e.g., Nancy-Dyke, Gagnon-Sill; Nasique-Flows) within the Lac Gayot property. However, more specific research objectives of the study will be to: 1) document subvolcanic-volcanic architecture of the komatiitic succession within the lithostratigraphic and structural context of the property; 2) define the volcanic, textural, and mineralogical facies variation between each lithological units; 3) characterize the geochemical signature of the host units and mineralized units; and 4) establish the styles, deformation, and genesis of the Ni-Cu-(PGE) sulfide mineralization within this komatiitic-succession.
The M.Sc. study will include a significant component of field work in the Venus greenstone belt at the Perseverance Metals Inc.’s exploration camp in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region. The analytical and modeling components will be conducted at UQAM and at the GSC’s offices in Quebec and Ottawa. With the support of their supervisors and the Perseverance Metals exploration teams, the candidate will publish their results and interpretations in public reports, peer-reviewed journal articles and make oral and/or poster presentations at scientific, government or industry conferences.
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.
The intention is to staff one student position for the completion of a M.Sc. in economic geology on the metallogeny of the nickel-bearing komatiitic succession of the Venus greenstone belt, Superior Province, Quebec.
Positions to be filled: 1
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.
English or French
Information on language requirements
Education:
►The candidate must currently have a bachelor’s degree in Geology-Earth sciences or equivalent from a recognized Canadian or foreign university.
►The candidate must demonstrate his/her motivation on pursuing graduate studies.
Experience:
- Experience on Ni-Cu-PGE ore systems within mafic and ultramafic intrusions in Archean greenstone belts.
- Experience in igneous petrology, and metallogeny related to orthomagmatic Ni-Cu-(PGE) mineralization.
- Experience for the acquisition, organization and analysis of geological data in a Geographic Information System (GIS).
Note: In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through the studies, work experience, or volunteer activities.
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of the fundamental disciplines of Earth sciences and advanced knowledge in metallogeny related to orthomagmatic Ni-Cu-(PGE) mineralization associated with mafic and ultramafic rocks.
- Knowledge of Ni-Cu-PGE ore systems within mafic and ultramafic intrusions in Archean greenstone belts.
- Knowledge of igneous petrology, and metallogeny related to orthomagmatic Ni-Cu-(PGE) mineralization.
- Knowledge of the acquisition, organization and analysis of geological data in a Geographic Information System (GIS).
- Ability to work in the field in remote areas for long extended period and in a research laboratory
- Ability to work alone and in a team.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, within the team and with industrial, academic and governmental partners, and with the public.
Personal suitabilities:
- Motivation and dynamism
- Autonomy and proactivity
- Integrity and professionalism
Selection may be limited to members of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women
Information on employment equity
►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 to the university M.Sc. program in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) (Montréal, QC, Canada) and registered for the Fall 2025 term.
►The student must be ready to do regular laboratory work and fieldwork in remote areas as requested by the project supervisors.
►In addition to the masters program courses, the student must take a mandatory course in health and safety in remote regions before carrying out field work.
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.
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.
We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.