The Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan invites
applications for a funded, full-time PhD studentship. The start date would be May 2027,
Sep 2027 or Jan 2028.
About the Position:
The project focuses on the sedimentary deposits enriched in rare earth elements
(REE) in Saskatchewan. The student will investigate how the REE are associated
with the deposits and develop geochronological methods to understand their
diagenetic and enrichment history. This research will contribute to our
understanding of critical mineral formations in Canada. The skills gained through
this project will be applicable to a variety of sedimentary deposits.
The student will be based full-time on the Saskatoon campus of the University of
Saskatchewan in Canada. The PhD student will be supervised by Dr. Man-Yin Tsang
(https://artsandscience.usask.ca/profile/MTsang) in the Department of Geological
Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan.
Required qualifications:
• Research-based Master’s degree in a related discipline, such as
Geoscience, Mineralogy, Chemistry, or Physics.
• Strong academic performance (GPA ≥ 80%).
• Conducting lab experiments with care and attention to detail.
• Comfortable with mathematical calculations.
• Proficient in written and verbal communication in English.
• An international student would need to secure a student visa prior to the
start date.
Preferred qualifications:
• Research experience relevant to REE speciation, clay
mineralogy, mineral irradiation, electron spin resonance, or
synchrotron analysis.
How to Apply:
More information about this studentship and how to apply here!
Suitable candidates will be contacted for further information. Review of applications will
begin in Nov 2026 and continue until the position is filled. The PhD student will receive
a stipend but will be responsible for tuition and student fees. More information about the Geological Sciences PhD program can be found here: https://grad.usask.ca/programs/geological-sciences.php
The University of Saskatchewan is one of Canada’s 15 leading research
intensive universities, USask provides a highly collaborative research
environment with some of the best facilities and analytical tools in Canada,
including a synchrotron facility (the Canadian Light Source). The Department of
Geological Sciences is recognized internationally for excellence in research and
training. Our faculty, students, and staff explore physical, chemical, and
biological processes that have shaped our planet over the last 4.6 billion years.