Research Associate in Carbon Mineralization with Enhanced Metal Recovery

Competition 1703

While this position welcomes applications from the public, please note that preference will be given to current employees at the University of Alberta. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

This position is a part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Trust/Research Academic Staff Agreement, this position offers a comprehensive benefits package found on our Benefits Overview page and annual salary range of $76,135 to $104,709. This position has an approximate appointment of 3 years.

Location - Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alberta offers interdisciplinary approaches to diverse teaching and research themes. One of the largest and best supported departments in Canada, it has an international reputation for leading-edge research. Undergraduate programs parallel the research themes and include Environmental Earth Sciences, Geology, Paleontology, Human Geography and Planning.

The Earth and Atmospheric Sciences department was established in 1995 when the former departments of Geology (1912) and Geography (1957) were merged. EAS has more than 50 faculty members, and over 120 graduate students, and is recognized for its scholarly achievement, excellence in teaching and research, and service to the community.

Position 

The Research Associate will (1) conduct applied research in carbon mineralization with enhanced metal recovery, write first-author academic research papers and prepare reports for industry stakeholders (70%). They will (2) co-supervise graduate and undergraduate research students (15%), (3) participate in writing competitive grants (5%), and (4) contribute to the management of the Environmental Economic Geology Laboratory (10%). The primary responsibilities relating to (1) are: leading a field-based pilot experiment; conducting field sampling of minerals, rocks and waters; laboratory analysis of field and experimental samples; and geochemical and/or crystallographic modelling. There will be opportunities to travel to Australia and the United Kingdom to work with collaborators. Responsibilities relating to (2) involve co-supervision of master’s and doctoral students in the laboratory group as well as co-supervision of undergraduate research assistants and honours students. This includes supporting publication of student manuscripts as a co-author. For (3), responsibilities include co-authorship on competitive grants and research contracts with industry. Responsibilities relating to (4) involve providing support to the PI for management of laboratory and field safety and for ordering consumables for laboratory research.

Duties 

• Field research including project management for a field pilot experiment
• Design and conduct of laboratory experiments and analysis of field and laboratory samples
• Publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts as lead author and as a co-author
• Co-supervision of research students at the undergraduate and graduate levels
• Serving as a co-author and co-investigator on competitive grants and collaborative research agreements
• Securing and leading contract analytical projects for industry partners

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. or equivalent degree in environmental mineralogy/geochemistry
• Experience studying mineral–fluid interactions relevant to carbon and metal cycling
• Experience working on industry geochemistry and/or geometallurgy projects
• Clear, written communication skills to effectively write manuscripts, grant proposals and annual reports to stakeholders
• Experience writing and publishing scientific manuscripts
• Experience with mentoring graduate and undergraduates students
• Experience organizing field research in remote and rural environments
• Expertise in powder X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetry analysis
• Experience with large-scale experiments (e.g., field-based experiments or pilot projects) is considered an asset
• Project management experience is considered an asset