Microinclusions in metamorphic graphite - Research Affiliate Program - Research Affiliate Program

Duties
Context
Natural graphite is classified as a priority critical mineral in Canada. It is a key material for the energy transition—particularly for Li-ion batteries, whose value chain is currently being developed in Canada. However, the processes controlling the formation of graphite flakes and the evolution of micro-inclusions that influence their metallurgical quality remain poorly understood.
This project aims to characterize the size, nature, composition, and distribution of micro-inclusions within graphite flakes from two major geological provinces—the Grenville Orogen and the Trans-Hudson Orogen—and to evaluate the role of metamorphism on these features. The work will combine petrography, mineralogy, and advanced geochemistry, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), micro X-ray fluorescence (micro-XRF), laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), and sulfur isotopes.
Field visits and short stays are planned at Nouveau Monde Graphite (project partner) as well as in NRCan laboratories in Ottawa. The project also includes several collaborators across different institutions (Geological Survey of Canada, Nouveau Monde Graphite, Université Laval).Objectives
1 – Characterize the nature and distribution of micro-inclusions within graphite flakes from host rocks with contrasting metamorphic grades
2 – Quantify the influence of graphite crystallinity and internal structure on the retention or release of inclusions, and test the relationship between inclusions and metamorphic grade
3 – Define predictive mineralogical and geochemical criteria to guide metallurgical processing and reduce risks associated with mineralogical variability

Intent of the process
The intention is to staff one student position for the completion of a PhD.

Positions to be filled
1

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• The student will need to be registered at l’Institut national de la recherche scientifique à Québec for this PhD degree, where his/her advisor will be located, and reside in or close to Québev due to the location of the laboratories.
• The student must be ready to do regular field and lab work and irregular work hours.

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EDUCATION:
• The candidate must hold a master’s degree from a recognized university with a specialization in one of the following disciplines: geology, Earth sciences, geological engineering.
• The candidate must be currently enrolled or willing to enroll at l’Institut national de la recherche scientifique in Québec.

EXPERIENCE:
• Experience in the petrology and petrogenesis of metamorphic or igneous rocks.
• Experience in analytical geochemistry using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray fluorescence (micro-XRF). Additional experience with laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is considered an asset.

COMPETENCIES:
• Motivation
• Work efficiently in a collaborative team
• Autonomy

ABILITIES:
• Ability to communicate effectively orally.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

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Applied / assessed at a later date

English or French

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Preference will be given to veterans first, followed by Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of jobs located in Nunavut or Yukon. For positions located in Nunavut, qualified Inuit enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement will be appointed first. For positions located in Yukon, qualified Yukon First Nations will be appointed first, followed by qualified Indigenous persons.

Learn more about preference to veterans.

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