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
RSN26J-151896-000944 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
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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 (Carleton University). Positions to be filled
2 Important messages
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: 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.

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 within Canada for conferences, and meetings.

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You need (essential for the job)

Your application must clearly explain how you meet the followingEssential Education:
• Students enrolled or eligible to enroll in a MSc program at Carleton University with specialization in Earth Science, Geographic Information Systems or other relevant specialization (proof will be required before the start date).
• Graduation with a Bachelor of Science degree with a thesis from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in Data Science, Geodata Science, Geostatistics, Computer Science, Geology, Earth Sciences, Geosciences, or other field relevant to the duties of the position (proof will be required before the start date).

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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:• Experience with spatial data (geodata).
• Experience with machine learning, statistics and mathematics.
• Experience working individually and in teams.Applied / assessed at a later dateEssential Knowledge:
• of machine learning and statistics
• of computer programming
• of geographic Information SystemsEssential Abilities and Skills:
• Effective communication orally and in writing in English.

Language requirements (essential for the job)

Applied / assessed at a later date English essential

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Our commitment

We're 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 below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

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Equity, diversity and inclusion

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 if you belong to one of the designated employment equity groups when you apply.

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Selection may be limited to members of the following employment equity groups: Indigenous (Aboriginal) peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and women.

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