Metal Earth Graduate Student Research Opportunities, May 2018
Laurentian University, Canada
With CAD $104 million in funding provided by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF)
and through strategic partnerships with 5 Canadian universities, 6 government geological surveys and
3 international research centres, Laurentian University has initiated Metal Earth - the largest ever
mineral exploration research project undertaken in Canada. Metal Earth seeks to identify and
understand the processes responsible for Earth’s differential metal endowment during the Precambrian.
This research initiative aims to transform our understanding of Earth’s early evolution and how we
explore for metals.
Metal Earth is led by the Mineral Exploration Research Centre (MERC), which is housed in the Willet
Green Miller Centre at Sudbury. MERC is a semi-autonomous research centre at Laurentian
established in 1997 and comprises an internationally-recognized group of researchers from HSES,
academia, industry and government.
Metal Earth MSc Graduate Opportunities
Metal Earth is seeking 4 MSc students to conduct mapping-based research in the Abitibi and Wabigoon
subprovinces of Ontario and Quebec. As part of an integrated geological -geophysical team fieldwork
will involve detailed geological mapping of transects that cross precious and base metal endowed and
less endowed ancestral faults and volcanic centres. Individual research problems will develop from the
transect mapping and will be addressed through integrated field mapping, geochemical and isotopic
research. Each MSC project is fully funded for two years ($30K/yr which includes a Laurentian
Graduate Assistantship). Mapping experience is an asset.
Metal Earth PhD Graduate Opportunities
Metal Earth is seeking 2 PhD students to conduct mapping-based research in the eastern Wabigoon
subprovince and the Ben Nevis area of the Abitibi Subprovince in Ontario. Field work will be conducted
as part of an integrated geological -geophysical team that is undertaking transect mapping through
precious and base metal endowed and less endowed ancestral faults and volcanic centres of the Abitibi
and Wabigoon. The research will establish the stratigraphic and structural architecture of volcanic
centres in the Ben Nevis area and eastern Wabigoon and the geological controls on associated VMS
ore systems. The research projects are fully funded for four years ($30K/yr which includes a Laurentian
Graduate Assistantship). Mapping experience, particularly in volcanology and structural geology, is an
asset.
To apply, please forward your application and cover letter to Christine Rodrigue at
CRodrigue1@laurentian.ca. The application should include: a CV including a list of publications,
academic transcripts, contact details and the names of three referees. Review of applications will begin
immediately, but applications will be accepted until December 31
th
2017.
Laurentian University is a bilingual (French-English), tri-cultural institution. Laurentian University especially welcomes and
encourages applications from members of visible minorities, women, Aboriginal persons, members of sexual minorities and
persons with disabilities. Applicants may self-identify as a member of an employment equity group. All qualified candidates
are encouraged to apply. However, Canadians and permanent residents will be considered first for these positions.