Vacant job

The Department of Geological Sciences is part of the Faculty of Science at Stockholm University. The department consists of approximately 80 teachers, researchers, doctoral students, as well as technical and administrative staff. The department conducts a broad range of basic and applied research within 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 doctoral project investigates how abiotic organic molecules, synthesized under credible prebiotic conditions, interact with mineral surfaces on the early Earth to form some of the oldest organomineral structures preserved in the geological record. The central aim is to clarify the organic-geochemical pathways through which simple organic compounds polymerize into organofilms, modulate carbonate precipitation, and generate distinct organomineral textures that may constitute early biosignatures.

In addition to laboratory work, the project includes a comparative component involving field observations in the Atacama Desert, one of the closest natural analogues to the extreme, intermittently wet environments believed to have existed on the early Earth. Samples and observations from the field help place the laboratory experiments in a broader geological context.

During the project, the student will receive comprehensive training in organic geochemistry, prebiotic chemistry, carbonate biogeochemistry, and organomineralization processes, all within the framework of an international research team. This work will deepen our understanding of the processes that operated during the early emergence of life, and highlight the differences between biosignatures and organosignatures, as well as between bio- and organoproxies, and how these signals can be identified in the geological record on Earth and potentially on other planets.

The selected candidate will conduct doctoral research in close collaboration with the University of Fribourg (UniFR) and the University of Connecticut, under co-supervision by Dr. Christophe Dupraz (Stockholm University) and Prof. Anneleen Foubert (UniFR).

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to doctoral studies, the applicant must meet both general and specific eligibility requirements. Eligibility must be fulfilled by the last day of application.

General eligibility is met if you have completed an advanced level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (HEC), of which at least 60 HEC are at advanced level, or have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country.

Specific eligibility is outlined in the general syllabus for doctoral studies in geology and implies that the applicant normally should have:

• At least 90 higher education credits in earth sciences
• At least 30 higher education credits in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and/or biology depending on the chosen subject area within geochemistry or biogeochemistry
• Additionally, at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level, of which 30 credits consist of an independent project in earth sciences

Specific eligibility is also granted to those who have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country.

Selection

Selection among eligible applicants is made with regard to the ability to benefit from the doctoral education. The following criteria are used to assess this ability:

• Documented knowledge in organic geochemistry, organic synthesis, or prebiotic chemistry, and/or background in geochemistry, mineralogy, or related laboratory work
• Strong interest in the origin of life, prebiotic chemistry, early Earth environments, and organic-mineral interactions
• Experience with experimental systems simulating environmental conditions and/or analytical techniques such as chromatography (GC-MS, HPLC), spectroscopy, microscopy, or isotope geochemistry
• Written and oral communication skills in English
• Analytical ability and teamwork skills
• Creativity, initiative, and independence
• The applicant's potential for success, documented through a short research proposal (max 2 pages) attached to the application, describing how the applicant would approach the organic geochemistry of prebiotic organofilm formation and its role in organomineralization

The assessment is based on previous experience and grades, the quality of the master's thesis, references, relevant laboratory or field experience, interviews, and the applicant's written motivation for applying. Experience with organic synthesis, work under controlled atmosphere (anaerobic chambers), photochemical experiments, chromatographic analysis (GC-MS, HPLC), or geochemical modeling is considered advantageous.

Admission regulations for doctoral education at Stockholm University.

About the Position

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

A new appointment as a doctoral student is valid for at most one year; the appointment is thereafter renewed for at most two years at a time.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and provides equal rights and opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information is provided by Prof. Christophe Dupraz, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

You apply for the doctoral position via Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a cover letter and CV, as well as the attachments requested 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 is submitted to the university no later than the last day of application.

Instructions for applicants can be found on the webpage: applying for a job (https://www.su.se/en/about-stockholm-university/work-with-us/apply-for-a-job).

Stockholm University contributes to the development of a sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment, and truth-seeking.