About the position
Duties
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 scandium and rare metal ore systems (e.g., REE, Y) associated with the Mistastin Batholith, including Scandium Canada Ltd.’s Crater Lake Sc-REE deposit, located in northern Quebec, Canada. As a key focus of NRCan’s Targeted Geoscience Initiative program, the Mistastin Batholith, the largest Mesoproterozoic intrusive complex in the region, is cut by olivine-bearing syenite of the Crater Lake intrusive complex that is associated with Sc and REE mineralization and is considered the first primarily Sc deposit discovered in Canada and the only known Sc-rich deposit within a syenite complex. This project aims to address critical knowledge gaps in the mineralization processes at Crater Lake, with important implications for refining and processing strategies. 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 Carleton University (Ottawa, Ontario) and will be expected to regularly attend group meetings with Scandium Canada Ltd. 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 Carleton University and the GSC, as well as possible fieldwork based at Scandium Canada Ltd.’s Crater Lake exploration camp in the summers of 2027 and 2028. This study is part of an ongoing TGI research program at the GSC focused on “REE mineralization in the eastern Canadian Shield”.
Work environment
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 Ph.D. degree supervised by Dr. Nadia Mohammadi at the Geological Survey of Canada (Ottawa) and Dr. Chris Lawley at Carleton University.
Positions to be filled
1
Important messages
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.
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 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.
Learn more about security screening process.
You need (essential for the job)
Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following
Essential Education:
• Students who are currently enrolled or accepted to be enrolled in a Ph.D. program at Carleton University, 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.) degree in Earth Science, Geology, or related discipline from a recognized post-secondary institution. Proof will be required before the start date.
Learn more about 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:
• Experience participating in field work.
• 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.
Applied / assessed at a later date
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.