Postdoctoral Researcher

Postdoctoral Researcher
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Duration: 24-month term beginning, January 1, 2027 (negotiable)

Classification: Contractual term position (37.5 hours/week)

Salary: $65,000 per year plus benefits

Overview

As Canada moves to implement the use of lower-carbon energy sources, there will be a significant increase in the demand for critical elements associated with energy production and storage. Canada lists 31 minerals and chemical elements that are essential to the country’s future. Many critical elements are concentrated by igneous processes (e.g., Li, Sn, W, Mo). The Canadian Appalachians as well as correlative rocks in the Caledonides of the British Isles are known to host to igneous rocks that are with critical mineral endowments. The postdoctoral researcher (PDR) will contribute to a research program on the igneous and tectonic processes that concentrate critical minerals. The project area is Nova Scotia, Canada. The main program objective is to better understand the geological controls on formation of granite-related critical mineral systems rocks to better inform exploration activities.

The PDR will have the opportunity to collaborate with industry partners invested mineral exploration in Nova Scotia.

Key Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities of the PDR are to:

• Synthesize published literature with new data to investigate selected critical mineral occurrences in Nova Scotia.
• Assist in establishing a new scanning-electron-microscope facility at StFX University and developing analytical protocols to advance the application of SEM for studying geological processes.
• The PDR will also have opportunities to mentor undergraduate and graduate student researchers.

Qualifications

• Completion of a doctoral degree in Geology, Earth Sciences, or a related field at the time of appointment is required.
• Expertise in one or more of the following broad fields is considered an asset: Igneous petrology, geochronology, mineralogy, or tectonics.
• Experience using a scanning electron microscope is also considered an asset.

Application Instructions

Applications will be considered immediately and will continue until the position is filled. To apply please submit a letter of application, CV including publications list, and the names and contact information of two referees to:

Dr. Donnelly Archibald

[email protected]

The cover letter should demonstrate how the candidate meets the above-mentioned criteria.

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Canadian applicants and permanent residents will be given priority.

StFX is in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. StFX is seeking candidates who are committed to contributing to our priorities of equity, diversity, and inclusion. A demonstrated ability in fostering a climate of inclusion and cultural safety is a strong asset.

Our institution is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), racialized persons (especially African Nova Scotians), persons with disabilities, those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ and any others who would contribute to the diversity of our community. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

We are also committed to the elimination of barriers to participation for persons with disabilities. Should you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact People and Culture at [email protected] or 902-867-5038.

About St. Francis Xavier University

Established in 1853, St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) is consistently recognized as one of the best universities in Canada. StFX exceeds the needs of today’s undergraduates through providing the very best academic experience -- outstanding teaching, exceptional hands-on research opportunities, and global exchanges -- all within Canada’s most vibrant and inspiring residential campus. Here, the focus is on the academic and the personal development of every student, making community and social engagement a large part of the learning experience. Our students are academically strong and highly engaged in every aspect of life, determined to make a positive impact on the world. In 2022, Maclean's annual university rankings put StFX #1 in student satisfaction and #2 in reputation across Canada in the primarily undergraduate category. For more, visit www.stfx.ca.

As a member of one of the most research-intensive departments on the StFX campus, you will have the opportunity to work on an innovative research project. StFX offers graduate studies at the MSc and PhD levels, and many graduate students are active within the department. For more information, visit https://www.stfx.ca/department/earth-environmental-sciences/research-graduate-studies.

About Antigonish, Nova Scotia

The beautiful and historic town of Antigonish is located within the northeastern corner of Nova Scotia. Only a 15-minute drive from the ocean and a two-hour drive to major urban centres, Antigonish is a family-friendly community with a diverse and growing population and provides access to excellent education at all levels. The town is surrounded by rolling countryside and beautiful beaches and is a hotspot for outdoor recreation, sports, and other active lifestyle activities. Antigonish supports a vibrant culture in the arts with music, performing arts, visual arts and crafts, and fabulous festivals happening throughout the year. For more information visit www.townofantigonish.ca or www.visitantigonish.ca.