MSc opportunity in deformation and critical metals
Are you interested in mineral deposits and deformation? Microstructure and mineral chemistry? Understanding the geological processes that concentrate the metals important to the green energy transition? If so, read on!
I’m looking for an enthusiastic, curious student to join me at the University of British Columbia – Okanagan in Canada, in September 2026. I have one MSc position available, with two potential projects to choose from:
- Looking at sulfide remobilization and its effect on sulfide-hosted precious- and critical metals (such as Co, Ge, and In).
- Or looking at the deformation of Li-bearing pegmatites, and how this affects their mineralogy, textures, and the distribution of Li, Cs, and Ta.
Both project options are lab-focused, and will use cutting-edge analytical tools like EBSD and LA-ICP-MS to investigate samples from my existing collection. You will receive hands-on training to conduct all of your own analyses, in the world-class Fipke Laboratory for Trace Element Research.
Requirements: You must have a B.Sc. in geology or earth sciences (or equivalent), with a strong background in igneous and metamorphic petrology, economic geology, and petrography. Experience with reflected light petrography of sulfides will be very helpful for the sulfide project; experience with microstructure and deformation will be very helpful for the pegmatite project. Curiosity and enthusiasm are essential for both!
Finances: The position comes with a stipend of CAD27,000/year for two years (from a combination of teaching- and research assistantships). From this, you will have to pay your tuition fees (approximately CAD5,000/year for domestic students and CAD8,800/year for international students) and living costs.
Due to funding restrictions, preference will be given to students in Canada.
Applications: To apply, send the following to me at [email protected] by 21 December 2025:
- a cover letter highlighting your motivation, suitability, and preferred project
- a short CV
- unofficial university transcript
- the name and contact details of two referees familiar with your academic journey
I’ll contact the top candidates for online meetings, and will let the shortlisted applicant know by approximately 15 January that they can then go ahead and apply to UBCO. Please do not apply to UBCO before this! The UBCO application deadline is 31 January 2026.
Graduate studies at UBC-Okanagan: More information on our university and department, and what all an MSc at UBCO entails, can be found here.