M.Sc. - Petrogenesis of LCT pegmatites in the northwest Superior Province, Ontario - Research Affiliate Program

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Assessment accommodation

Duties

We are seeking a highly motivated M.Sc. student in igneous petrology/ geochronology/ petrochronology to investigate the genesis of LCT pegmatites in the Berens River and Sachigo sub-provinces of the Archean Superior Province in Ontario. The pegmatites range from high-grade and high-tonnage, economically significant intrusions to smaller dikes hosted by peraluminous granite, metasedimentary, and metavolcanic rocks near regional-scale shear zones. The candidate will be based at Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada and will be expected to regularly attend group meetings at Queen’s University and the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) in Ottawa, actively collaborate with the research team, and publish results in peer-reviewed journals. The position will involve laboratory analyses at Queen’s University and the GSC, as well as possible fieldwork in the summer of 2025. This study forms part of ongoing research at the GSC into the genesis and tectonic setting of lithium-bearing pegmatites, with implications for exploration strategy.

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 an M.Sc. degree supervised by Dr. Steve Beyer at the Geological Survey of Canada (Ottawa) and Dr. Chris Spencer at Queen’s University (Kingston).

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "of approximately 500 words outlining your interest in the position, and relevant education/experience."

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Essential Education:
• Currently enrolled, or willing to enroll, in an M.Sc. program at Queen’s University with specialization relevant to the duties of the position.
• Graduated with a B.Sc. in Earth Science, Geology, or related discipline from a recognized post-secondary institution. (see degree equivalency for more information)

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:
• Petrographic descriptions of thin sections, and
• Working individually and in teams.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English essential

Information on language requirements

Essential Knowledge:
• A strong foundation in igneous petrology, including key mineral and texture identification in hand sample and with a petrographic microscope.
• A familiarity with the concepts of stable and radiogenic isotopes as applied to geology and geochronology.

Essential Abilities and Skills:
• Good written and oral communication skills in English.

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

The Department of Natural Resources Canada is committed to having a skilled and diversified workforce representative of the population we serve. In support of our strategy to achieve employment equity goals, selection may be limited to candidates self-identifying as belonging to one of the following Employment Equity groups: women, Aboriginal persons, members of visible minority groups, and persons with a disability.

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/or meetings.
• Be in possession of a valid driver’s license.
• The duration of the project will be 2 years between 2025 and 2027.
*For fieldwork, the student must be able to pass a Health Canada medical, and possess or obtain safety courses as needed, including first aid/CPR.

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

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.

Preference

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Contact information

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