Microinclusions in metamorphic graphite - Research Affiliate Program

Micro inclusions in metamorphic graphite – Research Affiliate Program

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

Closing date: June 25, 2026 – 23:59 Pacific Time

Selection process number 2026-RSN-ENA-GEMS-675651

Employment tenure This PhD will start in January 2027 and will last 4 years.

The following criteria must be met:

• Be recognized as having full‑time student status in the PhD program at l’Institut national de la recherche scientifique à Québec. (Proof required.)
• Enrolled in an academic program that requires research as part of the curriculum.
• Meet the minimum age required in the province/territory of work. Includes students with physical or emotional disabilities deemed to have full‑time status, and adult students registered in secondary level education and retraining programs.

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents that meet the job requirements.

Natural graphite is a priority critical mineral in Canada. The project will characterize micro‑inclusions in graphite flakes from the Grenville Orogen and the Trans‑Hudson Orogen, combine petrography, mineralogy, and advanced geochemistry techniques (SEM, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, TEM, micro‑XRF, LA‑ICP‑MS, sulfur isotopes), and evaluate the role of metamorphism. Field visits and short stays are planned at Nouveau Monde Graphite and NRCan laboratories in Ottawa.

• Characterize the nature and distribution of micro‑inclusions within graphite flakes from host rocks with contrasting metamorphic grades.
• 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.
• 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

Reliability status security clearance required. The student must be registered at l’Institut national de la recherche scientifique à Québec for this PhD degree, reside in or near Quebec, and be prepared for regular field and lab work with irregular hours.

Education:

• Hold a master’s degree from a recognized university with a specialization in geology, Earth sciences, or geological engineering.
• 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 SEM, XRD, and micro‑XRF. Additional experience with LA‑ICP‑MS, Raman spectroscopy, and TEM is an asset.

Competencies:

• Motivation
• Ability to work efficiently in a collaborative team
• Autonomy

Abilities:

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

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.

We are committed to an inclusive and barrier‑free work environment. If you need accommodation during any phase of the evaluation process, contact the hiring organization to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

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

We'd like to thank all those who apply. However, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.