POST-DOCTORAL POSITION (M/F) - Synthesis of knowledge and parametric comparisons applied to unconformity-type uranium deposits

Job Description

Missions

Unconformity-type uranium deposits are a research focus for the CREGU joint laboratory (CNRS-Orano-Université de Lorraine), as representing a significant uranium source for the nuclear industry; current production is concentrated in the Paleo- to Mesoproterozoic Athabasca Basin in Canada. These deposits are actively explored and mined at the interface between the basin and the underlying basement, as they offer substantial tonnages and crucially average uranium grades that can exceed 15% (e.g., at the Cigar Lake and McArthur River sites). The formation of such geochemical anomalies required the convergence of highly efficient physical and chemical processes—a subject of academic research for over 60 years, yielding a substantial quantity of scientific publications and concepts.

The objective of this 12-month postdoctoral position is to synthesize existing geological and scientific knowledge regarding these deposits, focusing on their contexts of formation (location relative to the unconformity and geographic distribution). The project will then involve establishing a comparative framework to identify variables—across different deposits and Paleo- to Mesoproterozoic basins—that control their location relative to the unconformity. Finally, the work will test the hypothesis of a unified metallogenic model capable of refining both the geological models developed by scientists and the exploration models applied by the industry.

Activity

The work will be carried out following three main work packages (WP):
- WP 1: Synthesis of information regarding the various types of unconformity-related uranium mineralized systems and the proposal of a matrix of understanding developed from their properties and potential variabilities. This work will initially focus on the Athabasca and Thelon basins (Canada). This WP will draw upon data from the literature as well as unpublished data available at GeoRessources and Orano.

- WP 2: Comparison of the properties of Canadian Paleo- to Mesoproterozoic basins and their associated crystalline basement, and contextualization relative to the types of uranium deposits they host. The aim is to broaden the scope beyond the mineralized zones (WP 1) by integrating additional criteria—such as sedimentary properties, the type, nature, and variability of the crystalline basement, and regional tectonic and structural settings (where available). Priority target areas will be the Athabasca and Thelon basins, with extensions to other basins in Canada. This WP will draw upon data from the literature as well as unpublished data available at GeoRessources and Orano.

- WP 3: Development of a comparative framework for uranium deposits associated with Paleo- to Mesoproterozoic basins based on their location relative to the unconformity, and testing of a unified metallogenic model capable of refining both the geological models developed by scientists and the exploration models applied by the industry.

Your Profil

Skills

You hold an engineering or university degree and have recently completed a PhD in geosciences—ideally focused on ore deposits—aimed at understanding the mechanics of these mineralized hydrothermal systems. Experience in database creation and management is expected. A capacity for data synthesis is a prerequisite, as an aptitude for literature review and research. Proficiency in laboratory approaches and techniques relevant to studying hydrothermal circulation in the geological settings would be an asset for effectively integrating and sorting data on unconformity-type deposits. The successful candidate will enjoy working in a team environment—bridging academia and industry—that includes English-speaking scientists. You must be autonomous, proactive, and capable of proposing new ideas.

Your Work Environment

This postdoctoral position will be based primarily at the GeoRessources laboratory in Nancy (Faculty of Science and Technology) and is funded by the CREGU joint laboratory. Regular exchanges and visits to the industrial partner's site at Châtillon are expected. The work will involve collaboration with researchers from Canadian universities and the Geological Survey of Canada (University of Manitoba [Winnipeg], University of Saskatchewan [Saskatoon], and the Geological Survey of Canada [Ottawa]). It may also entail acquiring new data from available samples, if deemed necessary. Such analyses would primarily be conducted at GeoRessources, with potential support from the partner universities and the geological survey.

Constraints and risks

none

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

3.021 to 4.208 € euros/month depending on experience

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

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