PhD position in Chemistry with a specialization in Planetary Geochemistry and Spectroscopy

The Department of Chemistry is opening a PhD position in Chemistry with a specialization in planetary geochemistry and (bio)geochemistry fields. The thesis project will focus on the experimental investigations of the water retention and life potential of near surface environments of Mars. The position is for four years of doctoral studies, including participation in research and postgraduate courses. The last day to apply is November 15, 2024. Starting date is January 2025 or by agreement.

Project description and work tasks

This doctoral project aims to resolve what type of geochemical factors (e.g., mineralogy, salts, pH, temperature) play role on the preservation of water and biosignatures in Mars analogue soils using cutting-edge cryogenic vibrational spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and electron microscope techniques. Varied types of salts (e.g., chlorides, perchlorates, sulphates, carbonates) have been detected all over planet Mars. This provides formation of liquid-like “slush” well below 0°C that could support the water retention in near surface environments of Mars. However, we still do not know what the actual roles of minerals and salt are play on the biogeochemical processes occurred on Mars today. To resolve this, the doctoral project will provide a fundamental level information on the Martian geochemistry and a unique low-temperature spectral and imaging database for supporting upcoming and ongoing Mars missions of NASA and ESA.  

During this exciting doctoral project, the student will get an opportunity to work in experiments and trials, both at our laboratory and local infrastructures in Umeå as well as at our collaborators’ laboratories both in Europe and NASA. We offer a unique opportunity to learn high-end techniques, especially for cryogenic studies, and to build a scientific network in astrobiology and planetary science fields. In addition to the research assignment, participation in postgraduate courses and teaching is also included.

Qualifications

To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level you are required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications.

To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level in chemistry, you are required to have completed first-cycle courses of at least 90 ECTS credits within the field of chemistry or another subject considered to be directly relevant to the specialization in question. Of those 90 ECTS credits, at least 15 ECTS credits shall have been acquired at second-cycle level within the specialization or an equivalent subject.

Additional required qualifications are:

• Very good proficiency in both written and spoken English,
• Experience in laboratory research including sample preparation and to work on the geological materials and organics.
• Knowledge with spectroscopy or scanning and/or transmission electron microscope techniques.  

Merits are:

• Experience in spectral data analyses using (Matlab, R, Python),
• Creative, and possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills,
• Motivated, ambitious and have organization skills.

Consideration will also be given to collaborative skills both within group members and the other research teams, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing doctoral studies.

About the employment

The position is intended to result in a doctoral degree. The main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies, including participation in research and doctoral courses. The duties can include teaching and other departmental work (up to 20%). The employment is limited to the equivalent of four years of full-time (48 months) or up to five years for teaching part-time. Salary is set in accordance with the established salary levels for PhD positions. The candidate’s physical workplace will be in Umeå, and will begin in January 2025 or by agreement.

As employees at Umeå University PhD students are granted social benefits such as parental leave, holiday leave, and occupational health services. Read more about the benefits of being an employee at Umeå University here: https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/benefits/.  

Application

You apply via our e-recruitment system Varbi. Log in and apply via the button at the bottom of the page. The deadline for applications is November 15, 2024.

The application, written in English or Swedish, should include:

• a personal letter with a brief description of why you are applying for the position, and how your qualifications and research interests are relevant to the doctoral project described above (no more than 2 pages),
• a curriculum vitae,
• copies of degree certificates, diplomas or equivalent, including documentation of completed academic courses, grades obtained, and other certificates of relevance to the described project,
• copies of student theses on advance level or other publications (no more than 5)
• contact information for at least two reference persons.

Further information

Further information is provided by Dr. Merve Yeşilbaş, e-mail: merve.yesilbas@umu.se,  web: https://www.yesilbaslab.com/.

Welcome with your application!

About us

The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology with approximately 200 employees and strong and expanding research. The Department has four major research areas: Biological Chemistry, IBEAM, Organic chemistry and Technical Chemistry. We are also a strong partner in the KBC, Chemical-Biological Center. Information about the postgraduate education can be found on the Faculty of Science and Technology website: www.umu.se/en/faculty-of-science-and-technology/education/doctoral-studies/chemistry/. For more information about working at Umeå University, https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/.