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

Subject description

A doctoral student position in geobiosphere science under the research topic of planetary geoscience is hereby announced at the Department of Geology, Lund University (LU), Sweden. The research project is centered around improving our understanding of the collisional history of the terrestrial planets (Earth and/or Mars) through studies of shock metamorphism of naturally shocked rocks. In the planetary group we perform research within two main fields – impact cratering and shock metamorphism, and studies of the geologic evolution of planet Mars. The research project is focused on improving understanding of the full pressure range where shock metamorphic features develop in rocks of diverse chemical composition. Aims of research projects are - Low-shock regime of shock metamorphism. Improve understanding of the low-shock regime of impact cratering by identifying and characterizing shock metamorphic indicators in rocks from terrestrial impact structures and comparing those with extraterrestrial samples (meteorites). Shock metamorphism of unconventional minerals. Learn to identify shock metamorphic features in rocks that lack quartz, e.g., limestone, gabbro.

Work duties

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes research and third cycle courses. The work duties may also include teaching and/or other departmental duties.

The successful candidate will undertake research on terrestrial rocks from impact structures and shocked meteorites. Examples of the techniques/methods that can be employed are; (1) Petrographic and shock feature investigations using petrographic microscopy, U-stage microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), (2) use of state-of-the-art techniques available at the Max IV laboratory in Lund, e.g., X-ray diffraction. This also includes sample preparation using Focused Ion Beam (FIB), and (3) potentially analysis of orbital data of Mars.

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programs if he or she has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, orhas satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, orhas acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Additional requirements:

• When starting, the applicant is expected to hold a university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in geology or a closely related field of the natural sciences.
• Documented very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• The PhD-project may include lab work at facilities abroad. It is expected that the PhD student can travel in order to conduct this work.

We are looking for a 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.

The following merits are qualifying:

• Experience of research in the field of planetary geoscience (including terrestrial impact cratering, or martian geologic evolution; such as during degree project(s)).
• Ability to understand and apply new and advanced instrumental techniques in research.
• Experience working with a petrographic microscope, with or without U-stage, SEM/EBSD, TEM, and FIB.
• Experience working with synchrotron-based techniques for studying geologic materials.
• Experience working in a team and completing collaborative projects.

 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:

Fulfills requirements listed above. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study. An assessment of the ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. Written and oral communication skills. 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 their experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle program.

Eligibility
Students with basic eligibility for third-cycle studies are those who- have completed a second-cycle degree- have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, or have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad. The employment of doctoral students is regulated in the Swedish Code of Statues 1998: 80. Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to doctoral studentships. When an appointment to a doctoral studentship is made, the ability of the student to benefit from PhD-studies shall primarily be taken into account.

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. 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 a motivation for why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. In addition to this, we want the cover letter to include a section that describes what direction of research you would want to focus on within the broader subject of impact cratering. This short outline serves to demonstrate your scientific interests and creativity, your actual research may take a completely different path. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, a copy of the Master’s thesis or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered. Please include contact information for one to three references. Candidates will be called for an interview before appointment.