NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI)

Ph.D. position in Experimental Isotope Geochemistry/Petrology - Utrecht University

(vacancy number 72141)

Research in the Petrology-group covers a wide spectrum of geological and geochemical processes from low-temperature biogeochemistry to high-temperature igneous petrology. Its expanding fundamental research line in stable isotope geochemistry (Si, Se, S) develops and improves environmental proxies and biomarkers related to the Archaean Earth.

The project aims to quantify the degree of silicon isotope fractionation during precipitation of silica from solutions in laboratory experiments, in order to solve fundamental issues that hamper the application of silicon isotopes in earth sciences to its full extent. Potential shifts in primary silicon isotope signatures of amorphous silica upon diagenetic transformations will be determined by analyzing modern sinter deposits. These combined results should enable an assessment of the degree to which Archaean cherts preserved original isotopic compositions after deposition. Final objective is to provide new constraints for the use of cherts in unravelling the properties of Archaean oceans and the habitat where early forms of life developed.

The candidate will work with an interdisciplinary team using both experimental and analytical techniques (e.g. stable isotope measurements on a multi-collector-ICPMS at VU University Amsterdam). The candidate will be supervised by Dr. M.J. van Bergen (petrology/geochemistry), Dr. P.Z. Vroon (analytical geochemistry at VU) and Prof. P. Van Cappellen (biogeochemistry).

Qualifications:
We seek a Ph.D.-candidate with an MSc degree, or equivalent, in Chemistry or in Earth
or Planetary Science, with a demonstrable background or interest in experimental work. Experience in a (geo)chemical laboratory is a requirement. He/she communicates easily in English, both verbally and in writing.

Terms of employment:
Successful candidates will be offered a full-time Ph.D. position for a period of four years, contingent on a (yearly) satisfactory performance, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period. Conditions are based on the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities. The gross monthly salary starts at € 2,042.- in the first year and increases to € 2,612.- in the fourth year and is supplemented by a holiday allowance of 8% per year and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. (salary rates per 1-1-2009). We also offer a pension scheme, a health insurance allowance and flexible employment conditions.

Applications are accepted until the position is filled, but we prefer to receive your
application before August 1, 2009. We seek to appoint a.s.a.p. thereafter. Please, mention where you originally saw our advertisement and quote the vacancy number 72141 in all communications.

The Ph.D. candidate will be based at Utrecht University. Part of the analytical work will be carried out at VU University Amsterdam, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences.

Further details:
For further details contact Dr. Manfred van Bergen, telephone (intl. access) +31 30 253 5036, fax (intl. access) +31 30 2535030, e-mail: vbergen@geo.uu.nl. You may also wish to visit the website of Utrecht University’s Institute of Earth Sciences:
www.geo.uu.nl/ivau.

How to apply:
Applications, including a motivation for the position, a statement of your research interests, acurriculum vitae, and the names and contact addresses of two referees (with e-mail contact addresses), should be sent to:
Faculty of Geosciences, Personnel Department
P.O. Box 80.115
3508 TC Utrecht
The Netherlands
or submitted by e-mail to: PenO@geo.uu.nl

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Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences offers education and research concerning the geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere and anthroposphere. With a population of 2,200 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, and Human Geography and Urban and Regional Planning.

The Utrecht Department of Earth Sciences conducts teaching and research across the full range of the solid and environmental Earth sciences, with activities in almost all areas of biogeology, geochemistry, geology, geophysics and hydrogeology. The Department currently hosts an international group of about 100 PhD’s and postdoctoral researchers. It hosts a range of excellent laboratory facilities.