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Magmatic alkaline rocks are recognized as key hosts for critical metals, including rare earth elements (REE). These metals are essential for advancing renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, and high-performance electronics, making their exploration and characterization a national priority.
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to conduct a systematic study on the distribution of critical elements in alkaline rocks, with the goal of identifying underexplored mineralization potential in Quebec. This research will employ advanced geochemical, and petrological methods to evaluate the processes responsible for metal enrichment in these unique igneous systems, with direct implications for mineral exploration and economic geology.
The alkaline igneous rocks of Quebec are of particular interest due to their formation from exotic melts, which can lead to significant accumulations of critical metals.
Their unusual mineralogical composition and geochemical signatures make them prime exploration targets. Notably, the Grenville Province in Quebec hosts several alkaline complexes with strong economic potential, providing an ideal setting for this study.
This project aims to:
Characterize the petrogenesis and magma evolution of alkaline rocks in Quebec.
Investigate metal enrichment mechanisms and their relation to magmatic processes.
Develop interdisciplinary models integrating field observations, geochemical signatures, and large-scale geological processes.
Provide insights for critical metal exploration strategies to support sustainable resource development in Canada.
By integrating igneous petrology, mineral chemistry, and geochemistry, this research will develop a comprehensive framework for assessing the metallogenic potential of Quebec’s alkaline rock formations.
The INRS Eau Terre Environnement Center is located in downtown Quebec City, in the new technology district. For more than 30 years, the Center has maintained a close scientific collaboration with the Quebec division of the Geological Survey of Canada (Natural Resources Canada), forming the Quebec Geoscientific Hub, one of the largest multidisciplinary geoscientific research groups in Canada. INRS and the GSC have several laboratories in common and co-supervision of master's and doctoral research are also common among these two research partners. The INRS-ETE Master's Program in Earth Sciences is offered jointly with the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering at Laval University, providing access to a broader range of courses and scientific expertise.
A graduate studies program undertaken in collaboration with Natural Resources Canada 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 timulating work environment with a passionate team and promotes work-life balance.
The intention is to staff one student position for the completion of a PhD.
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. 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"
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
English or French
Information on language requirements
Education:
►The Candidate must hold a master’s degree from a recognized university (or be in the final year) with a specialization in one of the following relevant disciplines of Earth Sciences: geology, petrology, mineralogy or geochemistry or any other relevant discipline.
►The candidate must be currently enrolled at the Institute national de la recherche scientifique - Centre Eau Terre Environnement (PhD program in Earth Sciences)
This scholarship is conditional on having the admissible letter for relevant PhD program (Earth Sciences) at the Institute national de la recherche scientifique - Centre Eau Terre Environnement
Experience:
- Experience* in field work (e.g. bedrock geology with focus on magmatic systems).
- Experience* in a laboratory (petrography, rocks sample preparations, geochemical laboratory).
* In the context of student recruitment in the federal public service, experience can be acquired through studies, work experience or volunteer activities.
Abilities:
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of statistical analysis (e.g. principal component analysis).
- Knowledge of office and GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS).
Personal Sutabilties
- Motivation
- Need to be able to work efficiently in a collaborative team
- Independence.
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 go through a security investigation (as any federal employee).
• The student will need to be registered at the Institut national de la recherche scientifique - Centre Eau Terre Environnement for a PhD degree (Earth Sciences), where supervisor/co-supervisor(s) will be located, and reside in or close to Quebec City due to the location of the laboratories.
• The student must be ready to do regular field and lab work and irregular work hours.
• The student must be ready to field work and camping (a few weeks of an academic year).
• Having a driving license will be an advantage.
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.
We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.