PhD Project in Marine Geology at the Department of Geological Sciences

The Department of Geological Sciences is part of the Faculty of Science at Stockholm University.

The department consists of approximately 80 employees, including teachers, researchers, PhD students, and technical/administrative staff. The activities at the department encompass a wide range of fundamental and applied research in marine geology and geophysics, geochemistry, and classical geology.

More information about us can be found at: Department of Geological Sciences (https://www.geo.su.se).

Project Description

This PhD project aims to document and reconstruct the development of marine fluid flows and gas hydrates on the northeastern Greenland continental shelf by combining and integrating acoustic geophysical mapping methods with oceanographic data and analyses of seabed sediments. The project includes characterizing contemporary fluid migration pathways, mapping leakage traces on the seabed, and assessing the sensitivity of gas hydrates to variations in the extent of the Greenland ice sheet and ocean warming since the last glacial maximum. To achieve this, the project will combine qualitative and quantitative analyses of deep and shallow penetrating acoustic geophysical (seismo-acoustic) mapping data with sediment cores and reconstructions of the marine paleoenvironments.

The successful candidate will work with extensive geophysical data, including reflection seismics, multibeam bathymetry, penetrating echo sounder data (sub-bottom profiles), and sediment cores collected during previous expeditions to the northeastern Greenland continental shelf. Additional sediment cores, hydroacoustic data, and stratigraphic information are likely to be obtained during upcoming expeditions. The PhD student may also have the opportunity to collect new seismo-acoustic data and sediment cores during future research expeditions.

The position is part of a new research group focusing on marine seismic sedimentology at the Department of Geological Sciences, conducting advanced research on sedimentary processes and structures beneath the seabed, with applications in environmental studies, paleoreconstructions, geohazards, and interactions between Arctic climate and the cryosphere. As a PhD student, you will be part of a collaborative research environment focused on understanding the dynamics between sediments, sea, and ice, as well as the geological factors that govern fluid flow in polar regions.

During this four-year project, you will receive training in marine seismic data processing and interpretation, including the processing of pre-stack data and velocity analyses to characterize fluid properties and fracture/fault geometries. You will map seabed leakage using multibeam bathymetry, integrate existing geochemical data from sediment cores, such as isotopic signatures and biomarker analyses, to identify fluid sources, and utilize existing paleoceanographic data to reconstruct environmental drivers for gas hydrate stability.

Eligibility Requirements

To be admitted to the doctoral program, the applicant must have basic and specific eligibility. The eligibility must be met by the last application date.

Basic eligibility is met if you have obtained a degree at the advanced level, or completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (hp), of which at least 60 hp at the advanced level, or in another way acquired mainly equivalent knowledge within or outside the country.

Specific eligibility is described in the general study plan for doctoral education in the subject of marine geology:

• at least 90 hp in geosciences
• at least 30 hp in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and/or biology depending on the chosen subject orientation within geology. For this project, mathematics and physics are relevant.
• at least 60 hp at the advanced level, including 30 hp independent work in geosciences

Specific eligibility is also granted to those who have acquired mainly equivalent knowledge in another way within or outside the country.

Selection

The selection among eligible candidates will be based on their ability to benefit from the education. The following criteria will be used to assess this ability:

• The candidate's documented knowledge in a relevant research area. Candidates are expected to have experience and/or education in marine geology, geophysics, and marine geophysical methods.
• Written and oral proficiency in English.
• Ability for analytical thinking.
• Ability to collaborate, as well as creativity, initiative, and independence.

The assessment will be based on previous experience and grades, the quality of the thesis, references, relevant experience, interviews, and the candidate's written motivation for applying for the position. Additionally, previous experience working with marine geophysical data, sedimentological data, and seismic processing is meritorious.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Education at Stockholm University.

About the Position

We offer a fixed-term position as a PhD student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The employment period may not exceed what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a PhD student, you will primarily focus on your own doctoral education, but the position may include work with teaching, research, and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20%).

A new PhD position is valid for a maximum of one year, and the employment is renewed thereafter for a maximum of two years at a time.

Stockholm University is committed to being a workplace free from discrimination and providing equal rights and opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information is provided by Dr. Christoph Böttner, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

Application

You apply for the PhD position via Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the requested documents in the application form. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and that it reaches the university no later than the last application date.

Instructions for applicants can be found on the webpage: how to apply for a position (https://www.su.se/english/about/working-at-su/apply-for-a-job).

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