Research Associate Full-time

Research Associate

The Mineral Deposit Research Unit (MDRU) at the University of British Columbia invites applications for a Research Associate to support industry- and government-funded research programs in mineral deposit science, with a specific focus on magmatic-hydrothermal ore deposits.

The successful candidate will lead day-to-day project activities and collaborate closely with MDRU faculty, international academic partners, sponsoring industry partners, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students. The successful candidate will play a leading role in developing and applying next-generation tools to better understand the formation of ore systems and improve mineral exploration outcomes.

The Research Associate will integrate whole-rock geochemistry, isotopic systems, geochronology, automated mineralogy, and hyperspectral datasets, applying both classical geoscience methods and modern data-science approaches. This position offers an opportunity to build a strong profile in mineral deposit research while delivering tangible impact to global mineral exploration strategies. The initial appointment is for one-year, with likelihood of extensions contingent upon attraction of external research funding.

MDRU is one of the largest integrated mineral deposit research groups in the world, based in the Department of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Sciences at UBC. MDRU works in close partnership with global mining companies and academic institutions, producing applied research that advances mineral exploration and trains the next generation of geoscientists.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design, coordination, and execution of research activities across one or more research projects
• Support the MDRU Director in creation of research projects including industry engagement and proposal preparation
• Coordinate and undertake collection of high quality lithogeochemistry, mineral chemistry, radiogenic and stable isotope, and geochronology data
• Develop and manage complex datasets, integrating new analytical datasets with extensive legacy archives
• Implement and refine data-science workflows to fuse multi-scale datasets
• Supervise and mentor postdoctoral fellows, PhD and MSc students, and technical staff, ensuring high-quality research outcomes
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences
• Engage directly with industry sponsors to translate scientific advances into exploration workflows
• Contribute to MDRU's collaborative research culture through service, training, and outreach.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Economic Geology or Petrology
• Completed postdoctoral research in Economic Geology
• Demonstrated experience working within a mineral exploration or mining environment in collaboration with mineral industry professionals
• Demonstrated expertise in igneous petrology, geochemistry, geochronology, and radiogenic isotopic applications to mineral deposit research.
• Proven track record in porphyry Cu-Au, magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE, and convergent margin magmatic systems research (peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations).
• Proven track record in multi-disciplinary studies of geodynamics and tectonostratigraphy of orogenic belts.
• Demonstrated experience in the using laboratory equipment for collection of high-quality geochemical and isotopic data with a preference for experience in the following laboratory methods (1) high-precision CA-ID-TIMS U-Pb geochronology (2) LA-ICP-MS geochemistry and geochronology, and (3) automated mineralogy (EPMA, SEM, SEM-AMICS).
• Experience leading field-based geological mapping and core logging in magmatic terranes.
• Proficiency in geochemical data handling and QA/QC protocols.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including report preparation, academic publications, and short course materials.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience planning and leading technical field trips for industry participants.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with hyperspectral data acquisition and analysis, including Python-based workflows.
• Familiarity with machine learning, data integration, and advanced visualization tools for exploration datasets.
• Supervisory experience with students, field assistants, or technical staff.
• Established collaborations or networks within the mineral deposits research community.

Application Details

Please submit the following:

• Resume or CV.
• Cover letter addressing your motivation and suitability for the role (one page limit)
• Response to the required qualification criteria (two-page limit)

For more information on this position please contact: Dr. Shaun Barker, Director, MDRU sbarker@eoas.ubc.ca

This position is for 12 months with a possibility of extension contingent upon funding. The expected pay range for this position is $100,000 to $107,000 per annum.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.