November 8, 2024

RESEARCH ASSISTANT II (BAND LEVEL 7)

Department of Earth Sciences

Faculty of Science

(Contractual Position to January 5, 2027)

The University will consider applications from qualified permanent staff who may be interested in a secondment, subject to departmental approval

This position is funded through an external grant

ABOUT MEMORIAL & THE DEPARTMENT OF EARTH SCIENCES

Memorial University of Newfoundland is the largest university in Atlantic Canada. As the province’s only university, Memorial plays an integral role in the educational and cultural life of Newfoundland and Labrador. Offering diverse undergraduate and graduate programs to over 18,000 students, Memorial provides a distinctive and stimulating environment for learning in St. John’s, a safe, friendly city with great historic charm, a vibrant cultural life, and easy access to a wide range of outdoor activities.

The Department of Earth Sciences at Memorial University has approximately 30 faculty members and active research programs focusing on petrology and economic geology; petroleum resources, sedimentology and stratigraphy; geophysics; and environmental geoscience. The chosen candidate will have access to modern analytical facilities within the Department of Earth Sciences and Memorial University’s CREAIT network. 

This research assistantship will be focused on contributing research support for multiple projects on the exploration and genesis of mineral deposits and critical metals contained therein, including various types of mineral deposits within Newfoundland and Labrador and other locations in Canada and globally.

DUTIES

The work of the Research Assistant II will primarily be focused on data compilation, sample preparation, sample analysis, data evaluation, and assisting with report, grant, and manuscript writing related to several projects focused on critical metals in various mineral deposit types. Specific duties include compiling and managing various types of data (e.g., mineral resource, geochemical, isotopic, and mineralogical data); researching and performing initial evaluation of manuscripts for relevant information on critical metals and other commodities; preparing samples for microanalytical methods and geochronology, including sample cutting, crushing, mineral separation, mineral and grain mount preparation, and preparing materials for thin section and other microanalytical methods (e.g., SEM, SEM-MLA, SIMS, EPMA, LA-ICP-MS, and LA-MC-ICP-MS); geochemical, mineralogical, and isotopic data collection using various instruments including petrographic microscope, SEM, EPMA, LA-ICP-MS, and LA-MC-ICP-MS; collecting lithogeochemical and isotopic data using solution-based sample preparation (i.e., clean lab methods); performing quality control and quality assurance of data acquired and initial evaluation of data acquired by the above methods; creating initial data evaluation reports and presentations; assisting with the creation and editing of reports, manuscripts, and grants; and performing other related duties as required. 

There will be a requirement for onsite work and while there is some flexibility with hours, this is not a remote work position. There is potential for travel and fieldwork, but it is not a primary part of the job and it will be dependent on willingness of the candidate and funding available for such work. The candidate will work as part of a team at Memorial and through various government and industry partners with expertise in geology, geochemistry, mineralogy, and applications to various mineral systems.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience (1-3 years) in research in a related discipline; completion of a Master’s degree in Earth Sciences is required; or an equivalent combination of experience and training will be considered. Experience with sample preparation; familiarity and experience using and processing data from petrographic microscopy, including transmitted and reflected light capabilities, SEM, SEM-MLA, LA-ICP-MS, LA-MC-ICP-MS, and SIMS; and experience with data compilation, evaluation, and data management are required. Experience with various software packages and programming languages (e.g., ioGAS, Orange, Leapfrog, ArcGIS/QGIS, Python programming, Bruker ESPIRIT EDS, FEI SEM-MLA Image Processing) is considered an asset.

SALARY                     $59,901 - $70,273 per annum (Non-Bargaining)

CLOSING DATE         December 9, 2024 by 5:00 p.m. NST

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, preference will be given to applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. Memorial University is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; Indigenous peoples; visible minorities and racialized people; and people with disabilities.

The personal information requested in your application is collected under the authority of the Memorial University Act (RSNL 1990 c M-7) for the purpose of identifying and recruiting candidates; assessing applicant qualifications; and maintaining records pertaining to the administration of employment with Memorial University of Newfoundland.

If you are a successful candidate, this information will form part of your permanent employment record and will be used for other activities related to the employment process. This information may be disclosed to government departments and agencies as legally required; and to third party service providers, as necessary to administer programs and activities.

If you have any questions about the collection, use and disclosure of the information on this form, please contact MyHR, Department of Human Resources, at recruitment@mun.ca.

Please be advised that we are unable to provide updates on current competitions.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.