Project description
The geological storage of CO2 is a key technology among the solutions being considered to combat climate change. This process involves injecting previously captured CO2 into deep and suitable geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs or saline aquifers, where it will remain trapped through various mechanisms.
The research project aims to put in place the conditions that will allow the start of a first pilot project of CO2 storage in Quebec, in the St. Lawrence Lowlands region. In this context, a postdoctoral fellowship, a PhD and a MSc projects are offered. The MSc project focuses on the evaluation of the natural variability of soil gases and correlation with dissolved compounds in groundwater, with a view to environmental monitoring of the geological storage of CO2. The student will contribute to the development of an environmental monitoring protocol to ensure the protection of groundwater on CO2 storage sites. The project mainly includes fieldwork during different seasons (sampling and measurements of gases in soils and groundwater), isotopic analyses in the laboratory, as well as multivariate and geostatistical interpretation of the results.
The successful MSc candidate will carry out their studies at the INRS Eau Terre Environnement Research Centre, located in downtown Quebec City. They will be part of the professor Bordeleau research team, which has 10-15 HQP (highly qualified personnel) from culturally diverse backgrounds. They will also interact with the teams of professor Pasquier, and of professors Giroux and Gloaguen, who are responsible for the geophysics components of the project, as well as with the industrial partners involved in the project. They will have access to state-of-the-art scientific facilities and benefit from a tailor-made training plan, adapted to their aspirations, which will enable them to acquire skills that are highly sought after in the work market. They will be encouraged to disseminate their results through the publication of scientific articles and presentations at conferences, with an opening to other modes of dissemination and knowledge transfer, in particular through vulgarization activities. They will also be eligible to become member of the Pôle géoscientifique de Québec (PGQ), a group of researchers from INRS and the Geological Survey of Canada (part of Natural Resources Canada) aimed at promoting geosciences to various audiences.
Start date
Fall 2025
Research supervision
Geneviève Bordeleau, professor, NRS
Study program
MSc in Earth sciences (program details in French only), Eau Terre Environnement Research Centre, INRS
The language of instruction at INRS is French, while communications with research teams can generally be done in French or English. To be admitted as students, candidates must present proof of functional knowledge (level B2) in French or English.
Funding
All INRS students receive financial aid (more info).
Required qualifications
Requirements: Hold an undergraduate degree (BSc or equivalent) in Earth Sciences or any other discipline relevant to the project, with an average of at least 3.0/4.3, or 14/20 according to the European system; have basic knowledge of environmental geochemistry and statistics; be willing to do fieldwork under variable weather conditions (4 seasons); have a functional level in programming (R or Python).
Asset: Hold a valid driver’s license in Quebec
How to apply
Please use the form below to send your application including the following documents in PDF: 1) A cover letter (1 page maximum) describing your interest in the project, your previous experience (e.g. in the laboratory / in the field / data analysis / scientific publications) and clearly demonstrating how you meet the profile sought (requirements and asset) and 2) A copy of your university transcripts.
Applications will be accepted until March 1, 2025. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted, around March 15th.