PhD Research Fellow in the early Archean terrestrial sulfur cycle

26 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Bergen

Department

Department of Earth Science

Research Field

Geosciences » Geology

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Norway

Application Deadline

18 Apr 2024 - 12:59 (Europe/Oslo)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

40

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Reference Number

2024/1121

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description
PhD Research Fellow in the early Archean terrestrial sulfur cycle

There is a vacancy for a PhD Research Fellow in the early Archean terrestrial sulfur cycle at the Department of Earth Science , University of Bergen. The position is for a fixed-term period of 3 years with the possibility of a 4th year with compulsory other work (e.g. teaching duties at the Department). The position is linked to the Centre for Deep Sea Research (CDeepSea).

About the project/work tasks:

Sulfur has been a key element in understanding Earth’s surface conditions through geological time. It is preserved in the rock record in both an oxidized (sulfate) and reduced (sulfide) form, and atmospheric, chemical and biological redox reactions produce characteristic changes in stable sulfur isotope ratios that can be traced in rocks all the way back to the Archean eon. Multiple sulfur isotopes have been used successfully to trace sulfur cycling in Archean marine settings, but relatively little is known about near-shore and terrestrial environments. Sulfur isotopes in these locations are expected to better capture atmospheric processes as well as microbial metabolisms under elevated input of nutrients from emerged land, and provide an important comparison for the Archean marine sulfur isotope record.

This PhD position is dedicated to increase our understanding of the early Archean terrestrial sulfur cycle. The project will primarily use samples from the 3.2 Ga Moodies Group in the Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa that have been obtained through scientific drilling in the ICDP project Barberton Archean Surface Environments (BASE). The successful candidate will utilize bulk and microanalytical techniques to obtain multiple sulfur isotope data from sulfate and sulfide minerals in drill core material, and will complement this with petrographic work and observations made during fieldwork in South Africa.

The candidate will be supervised by an international team of researchers from the University of Bergen (Dr. Desiree Roerdink, main supervisor), Utrecht University (Prof. Paul Mason) and Naturalis Biodiversity Center (Dr. Mark van Zuilen) in the Netherlands. In addition, the candidate will be introduced to a large network of Archean researchers through BASE.

It is planned that analytical work and field work will be carried out abroad. There will therefore be a need to carry out short periods of travel during the project period in order to carry out the project. ,

Due to planned field campaigns, the preferred start date is no later than 01.07.24.

Requirements

Research Field

Geosciences » Geology

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications
Qualifications and personal qualities:

• Applicants must hold a master's degree or equivalent education in geoscience, with a specialization in geochemistry, mineralogy, petrology or equivalent. Master students can apply provided they complete their final master exam before 01.05.2024. It is a condition of employment that the master's degree has been awarded.
• Demonstrated expertise in stable isotope geochemistry is a requirement.
• Experience with geological fieldwork involving sedimentology and/or drone mapping is an advantage.  
• Experience with micro-analytical techniques such as EMPA, SEM or micro-CT scanning is an advantage.
• Applicants must be able to work independently and in a structured manner and demonstrate good collaborative skills.
• Applicants must be proficient in both written and oral English in scientific environments (presentations, publications).

Personal and relational qualities will be emphasized. Ambitions and potential will also count when evaluating the candidates.

Special requirements for the position  

The University of Bergen is subjected to the regulation for export control system. The regulation will be applied in the processing of the applications. 

Specific Requirements
Your application must include:

A cover letter with a brief account of the applicant's research interests and motivation for applying for the position.

A short text outlining your experience with stable isotope geochemistry (for example, courses taken, thesis work).

The names and contact information for two referees. One of these should be the main advisor for the master's thesis or equivalent thesis.

CV

Transcripts and diplomas showing completion of the bachelor's and master's degrees. If you have not yet completed your master's degree, please submit a statement from your institution confirming the expected date of award of your master's degree. Your master's degree must be documented with transcripts and/or diploma, alternatively a confirmation from your institution on completed degree and your grade, by 01.05.2024.

Relevant certificates/references

Approved documentation of proficiency in English (if required, cf. English language requirements for PhD admission ). A list of any works of a scientific nature (publication list).

Any publications in your name.

 

The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at Jobbnorge.

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Additional Information
Benefits
We can offer:

A good and professionally stimulating working environment.

Salary as PhD research fellow (code 1017) in the state salary scale. This constitutes a gross annual salary of NOK 532 200 (equivalent to pay grade 54). Further increases in salary are made according to length of service in the position.

Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund Good welfare benefits

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

University of Bergen

Country

Norway

State/Province

Bergen

City

Bergen

Postal Code

5007

Street

Allégaten 41

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/260408/phd-research-fellow-in-th…

Contact

City

Bergen

Website

http://www.uib.no/en/geo

Street

Allégaten 41

Postal Code

5007

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED