About the position
Duties
The 1.27 Ga Mackenzie Large Igneous Province (LIP) located in Nunavut, Canada, includes the Coppermine River Group (CRG) flood basalts, the Muskox layered intrusion, and the Mackenzie dyke swarm. The Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) is seeking a highly motivated PhD student from a Canadian University with a speciality in remote sensing and the use of satellite imagery for remote predictive mapping (RPM). The planned research will contribute to a better understanding of spatial and temporal links between the CRG feeder dykes and the overlying flood basalt succession, with implications for economic potential. The candidate will be expected to participate in project meetings, actively collaborate with the GSC’s mapping team, and contribute to one article submitted to a scientific journal. The position will involve the use of a Geographic Information System (GIS) and may include fieldwork in the summer of 2026. This study will contribute to ongoing research at the GSC into the Ni-Cu-PGE potential of large igneous provinces.
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 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 supervised by Marie-Claude Williamson (Ph.D.), research scientist at the Geological Survey of Canada (Ottawa).
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 fieldwork*, conferences, and/or meetings.
• Be in possession of a valid driver’s license.
*For fieldwork, the student must obtain certifications as needed, including remote 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 eligible to enroll in a PhD program at a Canadian University with specialization in remote sensing (Earth Sciences) or other specialization relevant to the duties of the position. Proof will be required before the start date.
• Graduated with an M.Sc. in Earth Sciences or Geography with specialization in Remote Sensing or Geomatics 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:
• Remote sensing applications and Geographic Information Systems.
• Working individually and in teams.
Applied / assessed at a later date
Essential Knowledge:
• A strong foundation in Earth Sciences and Remote Sensing as applied to geological mapping.
• Previous experience with the use of satellite imagery in Canada’s North.
Essential Abilities and Skills:
• Good written and oral communication skills in English.
Our commitment
We're 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 contact the hiring organization below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
Learn more about assessment accommodation.
Equity, diversity and inclusion
The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the population it serves. We promote employment equity and encourage you to self-declare if you belong to one of the designated employment equity groups when you apply.
Learn more about diversity and inclusion in the public service.
Selection may be limited to members of the following employment equity groups: Indigenous (Aboriginal) peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and women.
Learn more about employment equity.