Doctoral student in planetary geology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description 
A PhD studentship in planetary geology is hereby announced at the Department of Geology, Lund University (LU), Sweden. The research project is provisionally entitled: Crust, Core and Collision – Unraveling the evolution of differentiated asteroids. 

The four-year position is funded through a grant from the Swedish Research Council to Dr Carl Alwmark, Department of Geology, LU, and includes salary as well as some research funds. However, the successful candidate is expected to apply for additional funding to cover certain activities, such as analysis costs and conference participation. 

The main aim of the project is to improve our understanding of the formation, collisional evolution and cooling history of large differentiated asteroids, which in turn will give new insights into the evolution of the early Solar System. This will be done through studies of mesosiderites, a group of enigmatic stony-iron meteorites. The project is centered around three topics with outstanding questions: 

Origin – Where do mesosiderites come from? Formation – How and when did the parent body(ies) and subsequently, the meteorites form? Evolution – What role did impacts/collisions play in the history of mesosiderites? 

The research will be conducted in collaboration with international experts in the fields of cosmochemistry and meteoritics.  

Work duties 
The successful candidate will undertake research on mesosiderites. The research can be divided into three main methods/techniques: 
(1) Petrographic and shock feature investigations, in order to constrain the 
formation, evolution, shock and cooling history of the mesosiderite parent body; 
(2) Determination of nucleosynthetic isotope signatures and Hf-W model ages, in order to determine the timescales of metal-silicate separation, the genetic heritage, as well as the provenance of materials on the parent body; and (3) Measurements of cosmic-ray exposure ages and cosmogenic radionuclides to constrain the position of the mesosiderite parent body(ies) in the asteroid belt, and its bombardment history. 

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and/or other departmental duties. Such activities can amount up to 20 % of full time but are compensated through extension of the studentship.
                                                                                       
Admission requirements 
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:  

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

When starting, the applicant is expected to hold a university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in natural sciences, preferably in Geology. Proven experience in scientific writing such as publications, essays or equivalent, in English is essential. We are looking for an independent and creative person who thrives in a dynamic research environment. The project requires close collaboration with international scientists and the candidate should be able to work independently and to carry out hands-on experiments, as well as in groups on a collaborative basis. The applicant should be committed and focused, and be able to take responsibility for parts of the larger research project. Documented experience of research in the field of planetary geology, specifically on meteoritics and/or shock metamorphism is a desirable merit. 

The following merits are also qualifying:
• Documented ability to understand and apply new and advanced instrumental techniques in research.
• Experience working with U-stage, SEM/EBSD, and mass spectrometry.

Additional requirements:
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment criteria
Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LU consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).