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Reference number
RSN26J-017782-000277
Selection process number
2026-RSN-EA-GEMS-677522
Location
Calgary (Alberta)
Employment tenure
The position is a three-year program (nine semesters), from Fall 2026 (September) to Summer 2029 (August)
Salary
A bursary of approximately $30,000 in the 1st year, $32,700 in the 2nd year, and $35,700 in the 3rd year for PhD, which will be paid in 3 equal installments each year.
Who can apply
Students currently enrolled or willing to enroll in a PhD program at University of Calgary with a specialization in Geomatics Engineering.
To be considered for RAP opportunities, students must be:
1. Recognized as having full-time student status by the post-secondary academic institution at which you are presently enrolled (proof will be required) OR be a part-time student who is recognized by their academic institution as a having a disability;
2. The minimum age to work in the province or territory where the job is located; and
3. Enrolled in an academic program that requires research as part of their curriculum.
On this page
About the position
Duties
The PhD student will support the project by acquiring and organizing hyperspectral, multispectral, geological, geophysical, and geospatial datasets for the Sverdrup Basin study area; conducting imagery preprocessing and analysis; developing workflows for mineral identification, alteration mapping, spectral feature extraction, and classification from hyperspectral data; integrating multi-source remote sensing and geological datasets; and developing AI/ML-based approaches for spectral unmixing, anomaly detection, and prospectivity mapping. The student will also contribute to the development of a predictive exploration model for diapir-associated hydrothermal ore deposits, prepare maps and technical figures, document reproducible workflows, support internal reporting, and contribute to conference presentations and peer-reviewed manuscript drafting.
Work environmentAt Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), a federal government job means developing leadership skills, fostering teamwork, and supporting creativity and innovation. We know it takes people from diverse pools of talent to make this happen. That is why we are looking for people like you. As an employee at NRCan you can enjoy diverse employment opportunities, a range of career development programs, and a learning culture that supports you to learn on an ongoing basis. We support balancing your work and private life by offering the benefits of flexible work arrangements.
The Geological Survey of Canada is a part of the Geoscience and Earth Monitoring Sector of NRCan. It is Canada's premier agency for geoscientific information and research, with world-class expertise focusing on geoscience surveys, sustainable development of Canada's resources, environmental protection, and technology innovation by acquiring, interpreting and disseminating geoscience information concerning Canada's landmass, including the offshore.
Intent of the process
The intention is to staff one (1) student position for the completion of a Doctor of Philisophy degree at the University of Calgary with supervisor Dr. Lincoln-Linlin Xu.
Positions to be filled
1
Conditions of employment
► Reliability Status security clearance - 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.
You need (essential for the job)
Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following
Education:
► Graduation with a Master of Science degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in geomatics, geography, land science, Geoscience, geographic information system, or another specialization related to the position.
► Currently enrolled, or willing and able to enroll in an PhD program with a specialization in Geomatics Engineering at the University of Calgary. (note: proof of enrollment must be provided before being appointed)
Learn more about degree equivalency.
Applied / assessed at a later date
Knowledge:
► Background knowledge in hyperspectral image classification, satellite data processing, geospatial analysis, and remote sensing applications.
► Background knowledge in AI/ML algorithms applied to satellite imagery analysis, including spectral unmixing, ConvNeXt, diffusion models, Mamba-based architectures, and other advanced image classification methods.
Competencies:
► Collaborative
► Problem solver
► Self-motivated
► Adaptable
Language requirements (essential for the job)
Applied / assessed at a later date
English essential
Learn more about language requirements.
You may need (asset qualifications)
May be applied / assessed at a later date
Asset Experience:
► Experience or familiarity with mineral identification and alteration mapping using satellite-based imagery, including hyperspectral and multispectral remote sensing data.
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.
Preference
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.
How to apply
Learn more about applying for Government of Canada jobs.
Information you must provide
We'd like to thank all those who apply. However, only the people selected for further consideration will be contacted.
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