PhD student in bedrock geology with focus on LCT-pegmatites - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Earth Sciences at Uppsala University is Sweden´s largest and most versatile department of its kind with approximately 250 employees. Our activities are interdisciplinary and combine natural science and technology with social science. We have research programs in air, water and landscape science (LUVAL); geophysics; natural resources and sustainable development; (NRHU); petrology, mineralogy and tectonics (MPT); paleobiology, and wind energy. By investigating the history of Earth, we understand how our planet has developed over time and how sustainable development benefits from this knowledge. For more information: The Department of Earth Sciences.

The department has several strategic research themes, for example an integral role in the national Centre of Natural Hazards and Disaster Science CNDS and in the foremost European network for natural resources, Eit RawMaterials.

Within the research program Mineralogy, Petrology and Tectonics, we study the Earth from its deep interior to the crust, and analyze processes that take place on scales from individual crystals to tectonic plates. We target natural resources and hazards, magma plumbing systems, mountain building, and global chemical and geodynamic cycles. Our toolkit comprises classic approaches such as field work and petrography, as well as cutting-edge techniques. Some of our most exciting approaches include 3D analogue and numerical simulations, high resolution, nano-scale elemental analyses in the national microprobe facility hosted by our department, and high-temperature and pressure experiments simulating magmatic and metamorphic processes. Our solid knowledge and broad expertise foster a holistic understanding of our dynamic planet.

The PhD project is an integrated part of the research project "Sustainable and innovative exploration and exploitation of Swedish lithium ores" financed by Vinnova. The objective is to understand the relationship between lithium-cesium-tantalum-enriched (LCT) and barren granitic pegmatites, aplites and granites and their tectonochronological position with respect to the metamorphic and structural evolution of the central part of the Svecokarelian Orogeny.

Duties
The methodology includes characterisation of both the lithium bearing pegmatites and barren granitic pegmatites and their host rocks by means of mineralogy, petrology and geochronology, in addition to bedrock mapping and structural analysis. Field work will be conducted during longer continuous periods during the field season (summer months). The work tasks also include petrographic and electron microscopy, thermobarometric modelling, geochronology and isotope analyses, in addition to XCT-LIBS-XRF scanning of drillcores with GeoCore X10 and data analyses using Orexplore Insight® software. Other innovative analytical methods may also be included. Field work will mainly be conducted in the Hamrånge area, Gävleborg county. 

The holder of a PhD-student position shall primarily devote her/his time to own research studies. Other departmental work, such as educational or administrative duties is a part of the position (max 20%). The applicant must be eligible for PhD studies. Priority is given to those who are deemed to show the greatest aptitude for a successful completion of graduate studies. Priority is given to those candidates that are deemed to show the greatest aptitude for successful completion of graduate studies. 

Requirements
To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must

• hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in geology, with specialisation in bedrock geology, or
• have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or
• have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way.

The applicant should have documented knowledge of Perple_X ore similar software, U-Pb geochronology and electron microprobe analyses, in addition to a solid base in magmatic and metamorphic petrology, and must be fluent in English. A driving license (minimum class B) valid in Sweden is a requirement.

Additional qualifications
Knowledge in 3D modelling and GIS and spoken and written Swedish is considered as merits.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Karin Högdahl, phone: +46 18 471 2571, e-mail: karin.hogdahl@geo.uu.se

Please submit your application by 12 May 2023, UFV-PA 2023/1514.

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