PhD student in Geology

The Department of Geological Sciences is part of the Faculty of Science at Stockholm University. The department consists of approximately 80 teachers, researchers, doctoral students, and technical/administrative staff. The department conducts a wide range of fundamental and applied research within marine geology and geophysics, geochemistry and classical geology.

More information about us, please visit: The Department of Geological Sciences.

Project description

Orogenic gold deposits are a class of mineral deposit that have provided much of the world’s gold and host significant critical element biproducts including Ag, As, Bi, Mo, Sb and Te. This PhD project entitled “Black shales as a fertile source rock for orogenic gold deposits” will investigate the relationship between black shale rocks and the formation of orogenic gold deposits. This project aims to investigate the mobility of gold and critical elements Ag, As, Sb, Te, Mo and Bi in black shale rocks during metamorphism. One of the key field locations for this study is the Phanerozoic aged Alum Shale in Sweden and Norway which is exposed at a range of metamorphic grades through the Caledonian orogen. The study will quantify the metal content in black shales at different metamorphic grades to evaluate whether these rocks became depleted in metals during progressive metamorphism.  Changes in whole rock metal contents during metamorphism will be linked to metamorphic mineral reactions controlling production of metamorphic fluids and mobility of metals with specific focus on the sulfide minerals. The project will involve field mapping and sampling, petrography, microscopy, in-situ mineral chemistry and determination of metamorphic PT conditions.

The project is funded by the Smart Exploration Research Centre (www.smartexploration.se) and the Department of Geological Sciences, Stockholm University. The successful candidate will be based at Stockholm University and will be expected to be an active participant in Smart Exploration Research Centre activities. Project collaborators include Dr Paola Manzotti (SU), Prof. Jarek Majka (Uppsala University), Dr Iwona Klonowska (Uppsala University), Dr Thomas, Zack (Gothenburg University), Dr Crystal LaFlamme (Université Laval, Québec, Canada), Prof. Georges Beaudoin (Université Laval, Québec, Canada), and Prof Jochen Kolb (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany).

Qualification requirements

In order to be admitted to postgraduate education, the applicant must have the general and specific entry requirements. The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

You meet general entry requirements if you have completed a second-cycle degree, or completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

Specific entry requirements are described in the general syllabus for doctoral studies in the field of Geology stipulates that the applicant must normally have:

• At least 90 credits in geosciences 
• At least 30 credits in mathematics, physics, chemistry and/or biology depending on the chosen subject area within geology
• In addition, at least 60 credits at the advanced level, including 30 credits of independent work in geosciences

Special qualifications also have the person who acquired in a different order within or outside the country, essentially equivalent knowledge. 

Selection

The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. The following criteria will be used to assess this capacity:

• The candidate’s documented knowledge in a relevant field of research. Candidates are expected to have taken courses in mineralogy, sedimentary and metamorphic petrology, ore geology, structural geology, field mapping and isotope geology.
• Written and oral proficiency in English. 
• The capacity for analytical thinking. 
• The ability to collaborate, as well as creativity, initiative, and independence.
• In that this project requires field mapping, a valid driving license is required for field work.

The assessment will be based on previous experience and grades, the quality of the degree project, references, relevant experience, interviews, and the candidate’s written motivation for seeking the position. In addition, previous experience working with Swedish bedrock, field mapping and in-situ mineral analyses by LA-ICP-MS is advantageous.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

About the employment

We offer a fixed-term employment as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a doctoral student, you should primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with education, research and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20 %).

A new employment as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, the employment is then renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

For more information, please contact Dr Iain Pitcairn, iain.pitcairn@geo.su.se.

Application

Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.