PhD Opportunity at Faculty of Geoscience - Utrecht University
| Faculty of Geosciences |
| Onthe first of September 2003 the faculty of Geosciences was constructedfrom a collaboration of the faculty of Earth Sciences and GeographicalSciences. The faculty offers a wide spectrum of education and researchconcerning the geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere and antroposphere. Thefaculty enjoys international acclaim, both proven by our many graduateswhich have achieved important positions at leading foreign universitiesand the large number of visiting foreign scientists. In the Netherlandsthe Faculty is the largest institute in the field of Geosciences. Weteach approximately 2000 students in five Bachelor and 19 Mastercourses.
Tracing bacterial activity in active and ancient volcanic vents Volcanoesand their associated high-temperature hydrothermal systems arefrequently cited as locations where simple cellular life began on Earthand as an analogue of places where extraterrestrial life may bediscovered on other planets. However, not all volcanic/hydrothermalvents are equivalent, releasing variable amounts of key chemicals thatare essential or toxic for the success of primary producers such asbacteria. In addition the availability of micronutrients in and aroundvolcanic vents have changed through geological time corresponding tovariations in magma generation, plate tectonics and seawaterconditions. Predicting these changes can provide clues to the findingthe sites where life appeared and flourished during the early Archeanhistory of the Earth. 2 PhD positions are currentlyavailable that form part of a recently funded NWO VIDI researchprogramme dealing with the influence of volcanic/ hydrothermal systemson the biosphere. Close collaboration will take place with biochemistsand vent geochemists as well as petrologists and Archean geologists. |
| 2 PhD-researchers (1,0 fte each) |
| Job description PhD Project 1: Record of bacterial activity in the fractionation of sulphur and selenium stable isotope ratios.Stable isotope ratios can be modified by both bacterially-mediatedredox reactions and a range of other inorganic processes duringhydrothermal activity and mineralization. To isolate only the biogeniccontrols on isotopic fractionation we will compare more establishedisotopic systems (S,C) with recently developed ones (Se, Fe). Theresearch will involve extensive laboratory experiments and modelling todetermine the extent of isotopic fractionation in both natural andexperimental samples. The goal of the project will be to establish morerobust isotopic tracers that can identify the presence of bacteriallife in both modern and ancient rocks. PhD Project 2: Dependence of bacteria on the release of micronurients during volcanic-hydrothermal activity. The key cations that qualify as trace elements in bacterial nutritionare Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, and Mo. They are all produced in high concentrationby volcanic-hydrothermal activity but their flux and bioavailability isnot well constrained. The aim of the project will beto show that volcanic vents from specific geological settings arebetter sites for hosting primary producers than others. We willinvestigate (1) active volcanic vents and (2) fossilized vent deposits,sediments and hydrothermal systems in ancient rocks. The research willinvolve both laboratory experiments and geochemical modelling. |
| Qualifications Your profile: A degree in the earth sciences,chemistry or biochemistry with a proven ability in laboratory work andan interest in the geological conditions controlling the origins oflife. |
| Terms of employment We offer: A full-time position for four yearsduration. Gross monthly salary increases from € 1.813 in Year 1 to €2.394 in Year 4. We also offer a pension scheme, a health insuranceallowance and flexible employment conditions. Conditions are based onthe Collective Employment Agreement of the Dutch Universities andsalaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% per year and ayear-end bonus of 2% per year. |
| Further details For more information contact: Dr Paul Mason (mason@geo.uu.nl). You may also wish to visit the faculty website at http://www.geo.uu.nl or the project website at http://www.geo.uu.nl/Petrology/VIDI |
| How to apply Applications, including curriculum vitae and the names of two referees(with e-mail contact info), stating where you saw the jobadvertised, should be sent to: the faculty of Geosciences, PersonnelDepartment, mrs. F. Hajar, P.O. Box 80115, 3508 TC Utrecht, TheNetherlands. Or submit by e-mail to: peno@geog.uu.nl. Please refer to vacancy number 72022. Deadline for applications is 14 February 2005. URL link: PhD Opportunity at Faculty of Geoscience - Utrecht University |
