Utrecht University
(1,0 fte)
(Utrecht), 38 hours per week
Job description
Function title: PhD-researcher 'Stable Isotope Geochemistry'
We are currently looking for a candidate for a PhD position at Utrecht University concerning the project: 'Testing the robustness of the sulphur stable isotope biomarker and palaeoredox indicator for planetary exploration'.
Stable sulphur isotope ratios are likely to be a key tool in future planetary exploration missions for identifying possible traces of life, constraining atmospheric composition and surface redox conditions, especially on Mars where extensive sulphate deposits were recently discovered. To calibrate the extraterrestrial record it is of critical importance to explain the observed variation in terrestrial S isotopes through time. Calibration relies on the analysis of both sulphide and sulphate minerals, predominantly pyrite and baryte preserved in sedimentary rocks and typically metamorphosed to between lower greenschist (>300oC, 0.1-0.5 GPa) and granulite facies (600-900oC, 0.2-1.2 GPa). Recrystallization and interaction with other minerals and/or fluids during metamorphism can result in homogenization or modification of the S isotope signature. Impact metamorphism may also prove to be a problem in interpreting the Martian record. In this study we intend to quantify the effects of metamorphism on the preservation of original S isotopic variations in pyrite and baryte, by experimentally re-equilibrating natural and synthetic samples with fluids over a range of oxidizing and reducing conditions from Greenschist (350-5250C, 0.2-1.0 GPa) to Amphibolite facies (525-725oC, 0.2-1.2 GPa). We will also investigate the effect of pressure jarosite alteration kinetics at 2-3 GPa. Experiments will employ high-pressure hydrothermal annealing and piston cylinder equipment. The specific aim is to assess over which planetary environments S isotopes can be used as a robust biomarker and palaeoredox indicator. We expect our results to give an impetus to future exploration of stable isotopic variations on Mars or other extraterrestrial sites.
Requirements
Required education/skills:University Graduate
We are looking for a highly motivated individual with an MSc or equivalent degree in Earth Sciences or a related field. Experience in stable isotope geochemistry, mineralogy and experimental rock deformation would be an advantage. He/she communicates easily in English, both verbally as in writing.
Job type: Research / Advising
Workfield(s):
- Research trainees, non-tenured lecturers, researchers(Scientific discipline: Natural Sciences)
Organization
Utrecht University
The Faculty of Geosciences offers education and research concerning the geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere and anthroposphere. With a population of 2200 students (BSc and MSc) and 575 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty is organised in four Departments:
Conditions of employment
Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 2500 - 3000
Salary: scale 10.
Maximum salary amount in Euro's a month 2558
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: 4 years
Maximum hours per week: 38
Additional conditions of employment:
We offer a full-time PhD-position for 4 years, contingent on a satisfactory performance. Monthly salary starts at € 2,000.- and is expected to increase to € 2,558.- in the fourth year of appointment. We also offer a pension scheme, a collective health insurance and flexible employment conditions. Conditions are based on the Collective Employment Agreement of the Dutch Universities and are supplemented with a holiday allowance of 8 % per year and a year-end bonus of 6,4%.
Additional Information
Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:
Dr Paul Mason
E-mail address: mason@geo.uu.nl
Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following links:
You can apply for this job before 12-09-2008 (dd-mm-yyyy) by sending your application to:
Faculty of Geosciences
Personnel Department
P.O. Box 80.115
3508 TC Utrecht
E-mail: PenO@geo.uu.nl
When applying for this job always mention the vacancynumber 72111.
(Utrecht), 38 hours per week
Job description
Function title: PhD-researcher 'Stable Isotope Geochemistry'
We are currently looking for a candidate for a PhD position at Utrecht University concerning the project: 'Testing the robustness of the sulphur stable isotope biomarker and palaeoredox indicator for planetary exploration'.
Stable sulphur isotope ratios are likely to be a key tool in future planetary exploration missions for identifying possible traces of life, constraining atmospheric composition and surface redox conditions, especially on Mars where extensive sulphate deposits were recently discovered. To calibrate the extraterrestrial record it is of critical importance to explain the observed variation in terrestrial S isotopes through time. Calibration relies on the analysis of both sulphide and sulphate minerals, predominantly pyrite and baryte preserved in sedimentary rocks and typically metamorphosed to between lower greenschist (>300oC, 0.1-0.5 GPa) and granulite facies (600-900oC, 0.2-1.2 GPa). Recrystallization and interaction with other minerals and/or fluids during metamorphism can result in homogenization or modification of the S isotope signature. Impact metamorphism may also prove to be a problem in interpreting the Martian record. In this study we intend to quantify the effects of metamorphism on the preservation of original S isotopic variations in pyrite and baryte, by experimentally re-equilibrating natural and synthetic samples with fluids over a range of oxidizing and reducing conditions from Greenschist (350-5250C, 0.2-1.0 GPa) to Amphibolite facies (525-725oC, 0.2-1.2 GPa). We will also investigate the effect of pressure jarosite alteration kinetics at 2-3 GPa. Experiments will employ high-pressure hydrothermal annealing and piston cylinder equipment. The specific aim is to assess over which planetary environments S isotopes can be used as a robust biomarker and palaeoredox indicator. We expect our results to give an impetus to future exploration of stable isotopic variations on Mars or other extraterrestrial sites.
Requirements
Required education/skills:University Graduate
We are looking for a highly motivated individual with an MSc or equivalent degree in Earth Sciences or a related field. Experience in stable isotope geochemistry, mineralogy and experimental rock deformation would be an advantage. He/she communicates easily in English, both verbally as in writing.
Job type: Research / Advising
Workfield(s):
- Research trainees, non-tenured lecturers, researchers(Scientific discipline: Natural Sciences)
Organization
Utrecht University
The Faculty of Geosciences offers education and research concerning the geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere and anthroposphere. With a population of 2200 students (BSc and MSc) and 575 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty is organised in four Departments:
- Innovation and Environmental Sciences
- Earth Sciences
- Physical Geography
- Human Geography and Urban and Regional Planning.
Conditions of employment
Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 2500 - 3000
Salary: scale 10.
Maximum salary amount in Euro's a month 2558
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: 4 years
Maximum hours per week: 38
Additional conditions of employment:
We offer a full-time PhD-position for 4 years, contingent on a satisfactory performance. Monthly salary starts at € 2,000.- and is expected to increase to € 2,558.- in the fourth year of appointment. We also offer a pension scheme, a collective health insurance and flexible employment conditions. Conditions are based on the Collective Employment Agreement of the Dutch Universities and are supplemented with a holiday allowance of 8 % per year and a year-end bonus of 6,4%.
Additional Information
Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:
Dr Paul Mason
E-mail address: mason@geo.uu.nl
Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following links:
- About the organization (http://www.geo.uu.nl/homegeosciences/25388main.html)
- The website of Utrecht University’s Institute of Earth Sciences (http://www.geo.uu.nl/ivau)
You can apply for this job before 12-09-2008 (dd-mm-yyyy) by sending your application to:
Faculty of Geosciences
Personnel Department
P.O. Box 80.115
3508 TC Utrecht
E-mail: PenO@geo.uu.nl
When applying for this job always mention the vacancynumber 72111.
