MSc - Tracing Magmatic Fluids and Metal Transport in Intrusions of the Midcontinent Rift - Research Affiliate Program

Duties
We are seeking a highly motivated M.Sc. student interested in economic geology, igneous petrology, ore-forming processes, and advanced microanalytical techniques.
This MSc project will explore how non-silicate melts contribute to the formation of mafic intrusions in the Midcontinent Rift (MCR), one of the largest continental rift systems globally. Recent studies on olivine-hosted fluid and melt inclusions in two mineralized intrusions within the MCR suggest that silicate melts likely coexisted with immiscible, high-temperature, non-silicate, hypersaline liquids (salt melts) during formation. The sources of these salt melts, their connection to magmatic fluxes, other factors influencing silicate melt evolution, and their role in enhancing Ni-Cu-PGE mobility remain poorly understood. To clarify the origin and influence of salt melts in MCR-related intrusions, the student will combine petrographic and mineralogical analysis with detailed examination of melt and fluid inclusions from multiple mafic-ultramafic intrusions across the Midcontinent Rift. The main goals of this research will include the following:
1. Identify, characterize, and compare melt inclusions from mineralized intrusions throughout the MCR, with an emphasis on contrasting the northern and southern portions of the rift system.
2. Reconstruct the magmatic evolution of MCR-related intrusions using advanced microanalytical techniques, including Raman spectroscopy, SEM-EDS, electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and laser ablation ICP-MS (LA-ICP-MS)
3. Determine an analytical approach for quantitative analysis of salt melt inclusions
By comparing intrusions across the rift, the project seeks to better understand key processes that drive PGE enrichment and metal transport in mafic-ultramafic systems, and refine exploration models for Ni-Cu-PGE mineralization. Key questions we will answer include:
1. How common are salt melts in mineralized intrusions, and what is their source?
2. Where present, how do immiscible salt melts and other magmatic fluxes influence the evolution of and metal enrichment in coexisting mafic magma
3. Are salt melts key transport media and mineralizing fluids in these magmatic systems
4. Is the occurrence of salt melts in intrusions an indicator of prospectivity for platinum-group elements (PGEs).
Training will be provided in advanced microanalytical techniques, field skills, and sample preparation.

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, hazard 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.The candidate will work in laboratory settings as part of their research program.

Intent of the process
The intention is to recruit one student for the completion of an M.Sc. degree, specializing in either economic geology, igneous petrology, or microanalytical techniques, under the supervision of Dr. Wyatt Bain at Western University (London, Ontario), Dr. Jennifer Smith and Dr. Wouter Bleeker at the Geological Survey of Canada (Ottawa), and Dr. Peter Hollings at Lakehead University (Thunder Bay).

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.htmlNatural 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.

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• Reliability Status security clearance - This factor is not used at the screening stage; the hiring department is responsible for the security clearance process.
• Ability to travel within Canada for laboratory analysis, conferences, or meetings.

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Education:
• Currently enrolled, or willing to enroll, in an M.Sc. program at Western University, London Ontario, with specialization in economic geology, igneous petrology or analytical geoscience methods are invited to submit their applications for this program. Proof will be required before the start date.

Experience:
The successful candidate is expected to have experience in:
• Optical microscopy and petrographic descriptions of thin sections.
• Course experience in igneous petrology and economic geology.
• An understanding of how to interpret trace- and major-element geochemical data.In the context of student recruitment in the federal public service, experience can be acquired through studies, work experience or volunteer activities.

Knowledge:
• Knowledge of igneous petrology and common rock-forming minerals (e.g. Bowen’s reaction series, usage of the QPAF diagram to classify rocks, etc.)
• Basic understanding of magmatic processes and magmatic sulfide ore-forming systems
• Familiarity with petrography and interpretation of igneous textures
• Familiarity with the geology of northern Ontario and the Midcontinent Rift would be an asset.
• General knowledge of Raman spectroscopy, SEM, LA-ICP-MS, and EPMA with a desire to cultivate hands-on skills using and combining these techniques.
• General knowledge of fluid and melt inclusions (i.e. what are fluid/melt inclusions, where are they found, what sort of information do they record, what analytical techniques are used to analyze them)

Abilities:
• Ability to identify common rock-forming minerals using whole rock geochemical data and petrographic microscope
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work effectively as part of a research team
• Ability to meet deadlines

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Applied / assessed at a later date

English essential

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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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