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.
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.
We are seeking a Ph.D. candidate with expertise in igneous petrology, geochemistry, mineralogy and geochronology to explore the processes that led to the formation of rare metal ore systems (e.g., REE, Y, Nb, Zr) at Torngat Metals’ Strange Lake deposit, located in northern Quebec and Labrador, Canada. As a key focus of NRCan’s Targeted Geoscience Initiative program, the Mesoproterozoic Strange Lake pluton is a multi-phase, peralkaline granite exceptionally enriched in REE, Zr, and Nb, with significant potential to become a major supplier of critical metals, and particularly in heavy rare earth element, such as dysprosium (Dy). This project aims to address critical knowledge gaps in the multi-stage rare metal mineralization processes at Strange Lake, with important implications for refining and processing strategies as the deposit advances towards production. The research will involve a detailed mineralogical and geochemical investigation, employing advanced geochemical and petrographic techniques (e.g. SEM-EDS, EMPA, LA-ICP-MS, TIMS, SHRIMP) on samples collected from drill cores and outcrops. The candidate will be based at the University of Ottawa (Ottawa, Ontario) and will be expected to regularly attend group meetings at the University of Ottawa and the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) in Ottawa, actively collaborate with the research team, present at national and international conferences, and publish results in GSC Open Files and peer-reviewed journals. The position will involve laboratory analyses at the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, and the GSC, as well as possible fieldwork based at Torngat Metals Lac Brisson camp in the summers of 2026 and 2027. This study is part of an ongoing TGI research program at the GSC focused on “REE mineralization in the eastern Canadian Shield”.
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.
The intention is to staff one student position for the completion of a Ph.D. degree supervised by Dr. Nadia Mohammadi at the Geological Survey of Canada (Ottawa) and Dr. Brian O’Driscoll at the University of Ottawa.
Positions to be filled: 1
Your résumé.
A covering letter "of approximately 500-1000 words outlining your interest in the position and relevant education and experience."
Contact information for 2 references.
Essential Education:
● Students who are currently enrolled or eligible to enroll in a Ph.D. program at the University of Ottawa, specializing in igneous petrology and geochemistry, are invited to submit their applications for this program. Proof will be required before the start date.
● Graduated with a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Earth Science, Geology, or related discipline from a recognized post-secondary institution.
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:
● Experience in participating in field work or equivalent.
● Proficiency in identifying and describing rocks and minerals.
● Expertise in optical microscopy, petrographic analysis, and mineral identification techniques.
● Experience and ability in conducting geochemical analyses, such as SEM, EMPA, LA-ICP-MS, XRF and XRD.
● Experience in writing scientific reports, technical documents, or manuscripts for publication.
English essential
Information on language requirements
Essential Knowledge:
● A strong foundation in igneous petrology, including key mineral and texture identification in hand sample and with a petrographic microscope.
● A solid background in geochemistry (both whole-rock and mineral analyses) and geochronology
● A familiarity with the concepts of stable and radiogenic isotopes as applied to geology and geochronology.
● Knowledge of ore-forming processes, including the genesis of ore deposits (e.g. magmatic, hydrothermal) and associated mineralization systems.
Essential Abilities and Skills:
● Good written and oral communication skills in English.
● Proven ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
● 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 possible fieldwork*, conferences, and meetings.
● Willing and able to work in a laboratory.
● Be in possession of a valid driver’s license.
*For fieldwork, the student must be able to pass a Health Canada health assessment, and possess or obtain safety courses as needed, including first aid/CPR.
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
You must provide proof of your education credentials and a list of courses may be required.
Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.
A random and/or top-down selection of candidates may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.
Candidates from outside the public service may be required to pay for travel and relocation costs associated with this selection process.
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 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
Natural Resources Canada is committed to employment equity and building strength through diversity. We welcome applications from qualified people and encourage members of the designated groups (Aboriginal Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, Visible Minorities and Women) to apply and to self-identify.
For this selection process, it is our intention to communicate with candidates via email for screening and assessment purposes (including issuing screening results and sending invitations for written tests and interviews). To that end, you must include a valid email address in your application. It is your responsibility to ensure that this address is functional and that it accepts messages from unknown users. It is also your responsibility to ensure accurate information is provided and updated as required.
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.
We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.