Join Us

Welcome to the IMOM Lab at Université Laval (ULaval). We are a research group dedicated to advancing the science and engineering of smart, safe, and sustainable mining through data-driven, interdisciplinary, and collaborative work. We respectfully acknowledge that ULaval is located on the lands of Indigenous Peoples. We recognize and honor their enduring relationships with this land and express our gratitude for the opportunity to conduct research, learning, and innovation here.

The IMOM Lab is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and intellectually open research environment. We value diversity of background, perspective, and thought, and we encourage members to express ideas freely, ask questions, and challenge assumptions constructively and professionally. The group operates under a mentorship-based and encouragement-driven culture. Guidance is provided via support and collaboration rather than pressure or hierarchy. The PI and senior members are expected to lead by example, promoting mutual respect, academic growth, and professional confidence among all group members.

The IMOM Lab at ULaval is recruiting 1-2 highly motivated MSc/PhD students in Mining Engineering for Fall 2026/Winter 2027 (positions now filled).

Requirements

• Holding an MSc in Mining/Geotechnical/Civil or other relevant disciplines for the PhD position (a BSc or BEng for the MSc position);

• GPA >= 3.0/4 (80%; or equivalent);

• Peer-reviewed publication record;

• Knowledge of machine learning or Python (R) programming is not required but is an asset;

• Strong understanding of English and/or French; 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills;

• Clear motivation to pursue graduate studies;

• Experience working in teams or collaborative projects.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to send a cover letter, detailed CV, and undergraduate transcripts to chengkai.fan@gmn.ulaval.ca with an email subject of “PhD/MSc Student Application_ First Name_Last Name” by November 30, 2025. Early application is encouraged.

All application materials will be carefully considered. Only selected candidates will be contacted and scheduled for an online interview. Thanks for your understanding. 

About Roles

My core training philosophy is that my students' success is my success, and their future is my future.

PI is responsible for defining the long-term research vision and strategic direction of the group, securing and managing research funding, and fostering a supportive, inclusive, and professional research environment. The PI provides academic and professional mentorship, ensures that research activities meet high standards of academic excellence and ethical conduct, and represents the group in interactions with the department, university, funding agencies, and external partners.

PhD students play a central role in advancing the core research agenda of the group. They are expected to lead independent and original research projects, contribute to collaborative team efforts, and actively participate in supervision and mentoring of junior group members (e.g., MSc and undergraduate researchers, where appropriate). Conference Participation: Participation in at least two (2) national or international academic conferences. PhD students are expected to deliver oral presentations at these events.

MSc students conduct focused research projects that contribute to the group’s broader research pillars. They are expected to develop solid technical and analytical skills, maintain high standards of documentation and reproducibility, and actively engage in group meetings, collaborative research activities, and dissemination of results. Conference Participation: Participation in at least one (1) national or international academic conference. Presentation format may include an oral presentation or a poster, as appropriate.

Postdoctoral fellows are expected to contribute at an advanced level and independent level to the group’s research program. In addition to leading high-impact research activities, they may co-supervise students, support proposal development, and help strengthen the group’s international and industry research networks. Conference Participation: Participation in at least one (1) national or international academic conference per year, with an expectation of delivering an oral presentation.

Undergraduate interns support ongoing projects through data processing, simulation, software development, lab work, and literature review. They are encouraged to use their time in the group to explore research as a potential academic or professional pathway and to build foundation skills in engineering research and scientific communication.

Université Laval/Laval University