Geology Fall/Winter 2026/27, Thunder Bay
Application Deadline: June 1, 2026
Department of Geology, Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies
Lakehead University, Thunder Bay Campus, invites applications for a Contract Lecturer in the Department of Geology. Applications are requested to teach:
Geology 1110/ENST 1111 FA - Planet Earth (3-0) and
GEOL 1111/ENST 1112 FA Planet Earth with Laboratory (3-2)
The course offers students the opportunity to better understand and appreciate the evolution and internal functions of the Earth through geological time. An overview of minerals and rocks is followed by discussion of internal processes including igneous activity, earthquakes and magnetism. The origin of continents, ocean basins and large-scale structures is presented by applying the concepts of plate tectonics.
Start Date/Duration: Tues, Thurs from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm (2026/09/08 – 2026/12/08)
Labs – Tues 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm and Friday 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Geology 2310 FA - Understanding Geology Through Maps
This course deals with the interpretation of the three-dimensional configuration of rock bodies from their distribution at the surface as represented on geological map. Topics could include: the distinction of various stratigraphic and secondary contacts between rock bodies, the attitudes of rock bodies at depth, the construction of geological maps from bore hole or seismic profile data, the determination of displacements on faults, the construction of mine plans at certain levels below O.D., the construction of subcrop maps below unconformities, the construction and interpretation of isopachytes, and the determination of ore shoot intersections. A brief overview of the techniques used to determine both relative and absolute ages of geological bodies and of geological events.
Start Date/Duration: Mon, Wed from 11:30 am –1:00 pm (2026/09/08 – 2026/12/08)
Labs – Fri from 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Geology 3112 FA - Principles of Geophysics
An introduction to the principles and applications of various geophysical techniques and the implications for solid-earth geophysics, mineral exploration, archaeology, and environmental studies.
Start Date/Duration: Tues, Thurs from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm (2026/09/08 – 2026/12/08)
Geology 4137 FA - Groundwater
Both the physical and chemical attributes of groundwater are examined. Porosity and permeability will be examined for various types of substrate consisting of loose sediment and bedrock. Methods of evaluating groundwater flow rates and aquifer volumes will be utilized to quantify subsurface water supplies. Techniques employed in exploring for groundwater reserves will be discussed. Groundwater geochemistry forms the other important aspect of material taught in this course. The chemical variability of natural groundwater (Eh, pH, dissolved ion concentration) will be contrasted with the effects of pollution (esp. sewage, pesticides and hydrocarbons) on aquifer systems. Remediation methods for contaminated aquifers will be explored.
Start Date/Duration: Mon from 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm (2026/09/08 – 2026/12/08)
Geology 3015 WA – Introductory Geology for Engineers
An introduction to Earth systems, cycles, and materials followed by discussion of Earth's interior processes, including seismicity and volcanism, leads to description of common crustal structures and their role in regional and global tectonism. Subsequently emphasis will be directed to a study of important surface processes, resulting features, and geologic hazards. Laboratory work includes the identification of common minerals and rocks, a study of common structures in section and plan view, and interpretation of geologic maps.
Start Date/Duration: Mon, Wed from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm (2027/01/04 – 2027/04/6)
Labs – Mon from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm and Wed from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Geology 4015 WDE –Basic Scientific Methods in Geology
Specific topics concerned with problems and materials encountered by Civil and Environmental Engineers. Topics discussed may include: application of geometrical techniques to the solution of problems in structural geology, quarrying and mining; natural radioactivity, its causes and consequences (radon, groundwater chemistry); applications of mineralogical and geological principles to radioactive waste disposal; origin and nature of some industrial minerals (diamond, graphite, salt, gypsum, asbestos, silica); the mineralogy, composition and stability of natural and synthetic silicate and carbonate constructional materials (granite, sandstone, bricks, Portland cement).
Start Date/Duration: Tues, Thurs via ZOOM 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm (2027/01/04 – 2027/04/6)
Please note: This schedule is tentative and subject to change. Instructors should refer to the online timetable prior to the start of classes.
Qualifications Preferred: A graduate degree in geology or relevant discipline is preferred, with experience teaching at the post-secondary level. Candidates lacking the specific degree qualification, but who possess an appropriate combination of experience and other academic qualifications, are also encouraged to apply. Experience with experiential learning and online or alternative modes of delivery is highly desired.
Compensation
In accordance with Collective Agreement provisions, Contract Lecturers shall be remunerated at one of the three following levels:
Level 1: $8,355 (per HCE)
Level 2: $8,590 (per HCE)
Level 3: $9,059 (per HCE)
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. Our campuses are located in Thunder Bay on the traditional lands of the Fort William First Nation, Signatory to the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850 and in Orillia on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, and Rama First Nation. Lakehead University acknowledges the history that many nations hold in the areas around our campuses and is committed to a relationship with Métis and Inuit and First Nations peoples. Lakehead has approximately 10,000 students and 2,160 faculty and staff. With an emphasis on collaborative learning and independent critical thinking and a multidisciplinary teaching approach, Lakehead offers a variety of degree and diploma programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels through its nine faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Natural Resources Management, Science and Environmental Studies, Social Sciences and Humanities, Graduate Studies, and Faculty of Law. For further information, please visit: www.lakeheadu.ca.
For further information, please contact Dr. Andrew Conly, Chair. Detailed information on the Department of Geology and our programs is available at: https://www.lakeheadu.ca/programs/departments/geology.
Review of applications will begin on June 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. The electronic application (in the form of one PDF document) should include: a curriculum vitae, statement of teaching interests and/or evidence of teaching effectiveness. A completed Confirmation of Eligibility to Work in Canada.pdf form must accompany your package. We encourage applicants with the Right of First Refusal (as outlined in article 19.03.02 of the LUFA/LU Collective Agreement) to indicate their status in their application.
Applicants should submit their electronic application to:
Department of Geology
Lakehead University
955 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1
Attn: Dr. Andrew Conly, Chair
E-mail: aconly@lakeheadu.ca
Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.
Lakehead University has an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan 2019-2024 with a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of under-represented groups among applicants, candidates and hires. We encourage candidates to self-identify, if you are from an under-represented group, and prefer candidates with the knowledge, competencies and relationships derived from lived experience. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.
We appreciate your interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be notified. Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343.8010 ext. 8334 or human.resources@lakeheadu.cato make appropriate arrangements.
This position is subject to budgetary approval.