The Mineral Deposit Research Unit (MDRU) in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science (EOAS) at The University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada has launched a new industry-sponsored research and training venture in Exploration Geochemistry. We are seeking a candidate to take the position of Research Chair to lead this unique, exciting, and well-funded Exploration Geochemistry Initiative. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to provide leadership and innovation to develop a robust research program building new foundations in the field of Exploration Geochemistry.

In this position, the Chair will launch a major research initiative to advance collaborative, industrially-relevant research. To achieve this goal, the successful candidate will bring an innovative perspective to the field of geochemistry, as well as experience in conducting and managing applied research projects. The Chair will also play a lead role in providing an enthusiastic environment to train young researchers to contribute to the production of the next generation of exploration geochemists. Key research objectives will include contributing to the understanding of processes of element transport in the surficial environment, and advancing the development of new mineral exploration techniques. These objectives will be accomplished with a fully-funded research team to be established by the successful candidate, which will consist of Post-Doctoral Fellows, PhD and MSc level graduate students, and industry support and collaboration.

The Exploration Geochemistry Initiative will operate in the supportive MDRU research environment and will also benefit from the support of various industry partners and the large exploration geochemical community in Vancouver. In addition, the initiative will benefit from interactions with other UBC geochemical expertise and infrastructure such as the Pacific Centre for Isotopic and Geochemical Research, the Multidisciplinary Applied Geochemistry Network (MAGNET) which is a new NSERC-Collaborative Research and Training Experience Program that supports training in applied geochemistry, and the newly created Canada Research Chair in Applied Geochemistry.

Core funding for the Exploration Geochemistry Initiative has been provided by generous industry grants from Acme Analytical Laboratories Ltd with the potential for additional support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) to establish an Industrial Research Chair. This Chair is designed to attract the best candidate who demonstrates collaborative research strengths and has the ability to collaborate across discipline boundaries. The position is a five-year term with opportunities for extension. The position may carry an academic appointment within UBC. Preference will be given to candidates with industry experience. A PhD, teaching experience, and publication record are preferable but not required. Salary and benefits will be competitive with industry.

For further information on the MDRU Exploration Geochemistry Initiative, contact Dr. Craig Hart, MDRU Director, at chart@eos.ubc.ca or Dr. Peter Bradshaw, Chairman of the Search Committee, at pbradshaw@firstpointminerals.com. Additional background information is available on the MDRU website at http://www.mdru.ubc.ca. Expressions of interest consisting of a CV and a one-page cover letter will be accepted until 15 May 2013, from which a shortlist of suitable candidates will be identified.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. UBC is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes expressions of interest from visible minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. However, Canadians and Permanent Residents of Canada will be given priority.