PhD student in Structural 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

This PhD project aims to identify the macro- to micro-scale structures responsible for the initial stages of hydration of dry, impermeable rocks, as well as to determine the resulting variations in rock rheology. This will be achieved by using a field-based approach and combining detailed structural analyses with quantitative (micro-) analytical techniques. 

The selected candidate will conduct field work in areas that expose deep portions of the continental crust in the Scandinavian Caledonides and the European Alps. As the project targets dominantly high-grade metamorphic rocks, it will also involve petrological tools and methods. The successful candidate will further engage with quantitative analytical techniques (e.g., scanning electron microscopy including electron backscatter diffraction, electron micro probe analyses) to trace micro-scale fluid pathways. It is anticipated that the selected candidate will also have the opportunity to engage with numerical tools in the final stages of the project in order to synthesize the findings.

During the course of this four-year project the selected candidate will receive training in a range of field and analytical techniques, as well as numerical tools, depending on the project progress and findings. The project is based at Stockholm University, and will be supported by an international network of collaborators.

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 which 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.

For some specializations within the geological education at the postgraduate level, students who have undergone their main level education in related scientific subjects such as physics, chemistry, mathematics or biology may also be accepted.

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 of structural geology and metamorphic petrology
• Written and oral proficiency in English
• Ability to work outside in rugged terrain over extended periods of time
• The capacity for analytical thinking, the ability to collaborate.

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. Prior experience with field work in metamorphic rocks, electron microscopy techniques, or numerical tools will be considered an advantage.

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. Sascha Zertani, sascha.zertani@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.