PhD Opportunities
5 Doctoral Student Positions:
Geochemistry (3), Sedimentology / Ichnology (1), Paleontology(1)
Applicants are invited for graduate research assistantships (Ph.D.-students) to participate in the recently funded DFG research group FOR 736 "The Precambrian-Cambrian Biosphere (R)evolution: Insights from Chinese Microcontinents". This interdisciplinary group of European researchers will study root causes and interactions between the multiple changes that occurred in biosphere, geosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere at that time and will cooperate closely with a complementary Chinese research group.
All four positions are funded for 24 months with a 12-month extension. Starting date will be January 1, 2008 unless stated otherwise. Salary level will be according to German public employee pay scale 50 % BAT IIa. Above-average English communication skills are advantageous. We particularly encourage applications from women and disabled persons.
Ph.D.-Student Position in Geochemistry:
U-Pb geochronology of sediments from the Ediacaran-Cambrian boundary in the Yangtze platform, China
Freie Universität Berlin, Institut für Geologische Wissenschaften
The goal of this project is to develop methods to obtain absolute age constraints on sedimentary and chemical processes and the biological evolution recorded in Ediacaran and Cambrian sediments of the Yangtze Platform in China. An improved geochronological data base is a major requirement for a comprehensive understanding of the chemical and geological framework of biological evolution during this time interval. The project will include field work in China, petrography and electron microprobe analysis of thin sections, sample preparation, element separation in the clean lab, mass spectrometry, as well as data interpretation and publication of results. Interaction with other members of the Sino-German project and participation in workshops and conferences will be an essential ingredient of the project.
A completed Master's, Diplom or equivalent degree in geology, mineralogy or chemistry and good English communication skills are required. Practical experience in isotope geochemistry, isotope ratio mass spectrometry or trace element analyses in geological materials is desirable.
Please send your application, including CV, copies of degree certificates, and the name of at least one reference by mail or e-mail to Prof. H. Becker, Freie Universität Berlin, Institut für Geologische Wissenschaften, AB Geochemie, Haus B, Malteserstr. 74 - 100, 12249 Berlin, Germany (e-mail: hbecker@zedat.fu-berlin.de, www.geo.fu-berlin.de/geochemie). Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Ph.D.-Student Position in Sedimentology / Ichnology:
Origin of Metazoan Benthic Ecosystems: Mutual Modification between Ediacaran to Early Phanerozoic Faunas and their Sedimentary Environments
Freie Universität Berlin, Institut für Geologische Wissenschaften
The goal of this project is to investigate the consequences of the gradually increasing bioturbation, recorded in the shallow-water facies of the Yangtze Platform and beginning in the late Ediacaran, for sedimentology, sedimentary chemistry, permeability, nutrient availability etc. Project work includes significant field work with Chinese colleagues at selected sections of central China, extended stays at research institutions at Nanjing and Xian, and close interdisciplinary collaborations with the other members of the research group, in particular Dr. Bernd Weber (bweber@zedat.fu-berlin.de)
A completed Master's, Diplom or equivalent degree in geosciences is required. The successful candidate should demonstrate advanced knowledge in paleontology and sedimentary geology. Capacity for field work and above-average English will be an advantage.
The sedimentary geology group at the Freie Universität Berlin studies sedimentary basins and processes on a variety of scales, with particular focus on Earth system evolution.
Please send your application, including CV, copies of degree certificates, and the names of two references by mail or e-mail to Prof. C. Heubeck, Freie Universität Berlin, Institut für Geologische Wissenschaften, Malteserstr. 74 - 100, 12249 Berlin, Germany (e-mail:cheubeck@zedat.fu-berlin.de). Applications will be accepted until October 20, 2007. Starting date will be February 1, 2008.
Two Ph.D.-Student Positions in Geochemistry:
Biogeochemical Cycling through the Neoproterozoic-Cambrian transition in China: An integrated study of redox-sensitive elements and stable isotopes with special attention to nitrogen isotopes.
University College London and Humboldt-Universität Berlin, Museum für Naturkunde
The objective of this collaborative study is the reconstruction of biogeochemical changes through the Neoproterozoic-Cambrian transition using elemental and isotope geochemistry with a particular focus on the record of redox-sensitive metals and non-metallic nutrients such as nitrogen. Isotopes will be investigated on a molecular level in order to obtain highly specific paleoecological information.
Qualified candidates will hold an above-average Master's or German Diplom degree or equivalent in geological sciences or another relevant field. A profound knowledge of geochemistry (in particular stable isotopes), field work experience and above-average English will be of advantage. Good laboratory skills are highly desired because the successful candidate will perform significant, guided sample preparation in both organic and inorganic geochemistry.
The stable isotope group at the Museum für Naturkunde zu Berlin (www.museum.hu-berlin.de/) uses a modern laboratory for stable isotope of C, N, S and O and investigates a broad spectrum of isotope-geochemical applications ranging from forensics to earliest Earth history. The Department of Earth Sciences at University College London has state-of-the-art facilities for trace metal studies and will be the main location of one of the joint PhD positions.
Please send your application preferably by e-mail, including CV, copies of degree certificates, and the names of two references, to both Dr. Graham Shields, Institut für Geologie und Paläontologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Correnstr. 24, 48149 Münster (Tel. ++49-251 83-33937; gshields@uni-muenster.de and to Dr. Ulrich Struck, Museum für Naturkunde, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstraße 43, 10115 Berlin. (Tel.: ++49-30 2093 8552; ulrich.struck@museum.hu-berlin.de)
Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. Starting date will be February 1, 2008.
Ph.D.-Student Position in Paleontology:
Biology and taphonomy of exceptional Cambrian fossil lagerstätten of China exemplified by embryo-bearing phosphorites and Chengjiang biota
Freie Universität Berlin, Institut für Geologische Wissenschaften
The Cambrian Chengjiang fossil lagerstätte in China is a unique window into the geologic past and enables profound insights into the radiation processes of early multicellular metazoan life. While the preservation mode in the fine-grained siliciclastic sediments resembles the Burgess-Pass type, carbonates contain three-dimensionally phosphatized fossils of the Orsten type. The goal of this project is to investigate the detailed taphonomy of the Chengjiang lagerstätte, based on field work in China and using biostatistical, sedimentary, geochemical, and microscopic (SEM / TEM) methods. The spatial and temporal interpretation of the conditions leading to this particular preservation and a comparison to preservation modes of the subsequent Phanerozoic are of particular interest.
Please send your application by mail or e-mail, including CV, copies of degree certificates, and the names of two references by mail or e-mail to Prof. H. Keupp, Freie Universität Berlin, Institut für Geologische Wissenschaften, Malteserstr. 74 - 100, 12249 Berlin, Germany (e-mail: keupp@zedat.fu-berlin.de).