MSc scale Data-Driven Mineral Prospectivity Mapping

Position: MSc - Large-scale Data-Driven Mineral Prospectivity Mapping

MSc - Large-scale Data-Driven Mineral Prospectivity Mapping - Research Affiliate Program

Natural Resources Canada - Geoscience & Earth Monitoring Sector - Geological Survey of Canada - GSC-Central

Closing date:
March 27, 2026 - 23:59, Pacific Time

Reference number
RSN
26J
- Selection process number
2026-RSN-EA-GEMS-666927 Location
Ottawa (Ontario)
Employment tenure
This M.Sc. will start in September 2026 and end in August 2028.
Salary
Scholarship of approximately $25,500 in year 1 and $27,500 in year 2 ($53,000 total) divided into 3 equal installments each year (total of 6 installments). It is expected that the student will work approximately 10 to 15 hours per week for the RAP period.
Who can apply
Persons residing in Canada, and Canadian citizens and Permanent residents abroad.

To be considered for RAP work opportunities, students must be:
1. Recognized as having full-time student status by the post-secondary academic institution at which they are presently enrolled OR be a part-time student who is recognized by their academic institution as 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.
Organization information
For further information on the organization, please visit .

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About the position

Duties
This M.Sc. project “Large-scale Data-Driven Mineral Prospectivity Mapping” will focus on advancing Canadian methodology for large-scale data-driven mineral prospectivity mapping. This will provide reliable and timely prospectivity products for critical mineral exploration. The duties will include substantial primary and secondary research in the domain of data-driven experimental design and methods, mineral prospectivity mapping, mineral systems, and mineral targeting. The aim of the study is to improve our understanding of the reliability and statistical rigor of typical datasets and methods to model them in support of data-driven mineral prospectivity mapping toward the construction of more reliable and objective prospectivity products for next-generation large-scale (e.g., pan-Canadian) mineral prospectivity mapping.

Specific duties depend on the interest and abilities of the candidate. Examples include: (1) sensitivity analysis of datasets in mineral prospectivity mapping; (2) variability in typical deep learning architectures (e.g., U-net) and their spatial impact; and (3) scaling and its spatial impacts.
Work environment
Working with a dynamic, innovative geoscience team with extensive research and development expertise in geodata science and mineral analytics at Natural Resources Canada - Geological Survey of Canada, supporting our future mineral and energy needs through the Critical Mineral and Geoscience Data Program. For background on Canadas Critical Mineral Strategy please see The Canadian Critical Minerals Centre of Excellence site:
() 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 two student positions for the completion of a Master of Science degree to be jointly supervised by Dr. Steven

E. Zhang (GSC) and Prof. Christopher J.M. Lawley…