Job Description

Natural Resources Canada - Geoscience and Earth Monitoring Sector - Geological Survey of Canada - GSC-Northern Canada


Ottawa (Ontario)


It is expected that the student will work a three-year period (nine semesters), from Winter 2026 (January) to Fall 2028 (December)


$30,000 (per year, to be paid in three installments)
For further information on the organization, please visit Natural Resources Canada


Geological Survey of Canada

Closing date: 24 October 2025 - 23:59, Pacific Time

Who can apply:

Persons residing in Canada, and Canadian citizens and Permanent residents abroad.



To be considered for Research Affiliate Program (RAP) work 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.

Apply online

Important messages

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We are 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 use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.


Assessment accommodation

Duties

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The student will be co-supervised by Dr Alexandre Voinot from the GSC and Prof. Brian O'Driscoll from University of Ottawa, and will be working on samples (rock and surficial media such as water, sediment, soil, or vegetation) around both conventional (hard rock) and unconventional (i.e. brines, clays) lithium (Li) deposits from various locations across Canada, to better characterize and understand the mechanisms of deposition and remobilization of Li in both the deep and surficial environments.




To answer this research question, innovative field and laboratory techniques (laser ablation, isotopes, eDNA) will be used. The candidate will also have the opportunity to collaborate on groundbreaking analytical method development and participate to several fieldwork campaigns during the summers of 2026 and 2027.



This project is part of a Critical Minerals Geoscience and Data (CMGD) initiative research proposal.

Work environment

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The Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) is part of Natural Resources Canada's Lands and Minerals Sector. It is a national organization for geoscientific information and research. Its world-class expertise focuses on the sustainable development of Canada's mineral, energy and water resources; stewardship of Canada's environment; management of natural geological and related hazards; and technology innovation.

Intent of the process

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The intention is to staff one (1) student position for the completion of a Doctorate (PhD) degree at the University of Ottawa, Ontario, supervised by Dr. Alexandre Voinot and Dr. Brian O'Driscoll.

Positions to be filled:

1

Information you must provide

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Your resume.


A covering letter "Candidates should write an approximately one page cover letter that outlines their education and experience (see requirements below) and course work related to the position (A list of the courses you have taken as well as any courses that you are taking now, or that you will be taking this academic year)."

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

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Currently enrolled or willing to enroll at the University of Ottawa with a specialization in Geosciences or a related discipline that requires research as part of the curriculum. Graduation with a Master of Science in Geoscience, Geochemistry, Geology, Hydrogeology, Geophysics or another relevant specialization from a recognized post-secondary institution.

Degree equivalency




In the context of student recruitment in the federal public service, experience can be acquired through studies, work experience or volunteer activities.



Experience with fieldwork, as well as redaction of scientific reports or papers. Experience working with GIS. Experience working on large datasets for mineral exploration or environmental monitoring and remediation. Experience with critical mineral research and/or policy making.

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

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English essential


Information on language requirements

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

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Selection may be limited to members of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women


Information on employment equity


Natural Resources Canada is committed to establishing and maintaining a representative workforce. This organizational need may be identified as part of the appointment decision. In such cases, qualified candidates who self-declare as members of a visible minority group, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities or women (in non-traditional occupations) could be considered in priority.

Conditions of employment

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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.

Other information

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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


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.



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



You must provide proof of your education credentials. Transcripts and a list of courses may be required.



Candidates with foreign credentials must provide proof of Canadian equivalency. Consult the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials for further information at http://www.cicic.ca/.

Preference

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Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

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