Ph.D. in Chemistry with focus on Planetary Geochemistry and Spectroscopy - ,

Is there water on Mars? What is the role of water in martian geochemical history? How can we reveal the potential water resources for future human explorations on Mars?

If you are interested in discovering all these fascinating phenomena related to Mars, you are welcome to apply for a fully funded four-year PhD student position. You should have a particular fascination and skill set for advancing knowledge of Mars geochemistry. 

Application deadline is Sep 23, 2022.

Tasks 
This doctoral project aims to resolve the formation and stability of liquid water in modern Mars. The doctoral student will conduct mainly experimental work by preparing several martian analogues including sulphate and Cl-salt mixtures, and conducting cryogenic vibrational spectroscopy experiments at our laboratory. Furthermore, the doctoral student will perform the remote sensing analyzes from Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) of NASA by bridging the laboratory spectra to the martian orbit data to understand aqueous history of Mars. 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. In addition to the research assignment, participation in postgraduate courses is also included.

You will work with the newly-established Yeşilbaş Lab at Umeå University. You will integrate into the Molecular Geochemistry and Environmental Chemistry research environments of the Department of Chemistry, and work with our newly developing laboratory and various analytical platforms of the Chemical and Biological Center. Furthermore, the successful candidate will have a chance to collaborate with several international research teams including NASA.

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. 

You are interested in cryomineralogy, geochemistry, planetary science, astrobiology and spectroscopy and have demonstrated abilities at thinking at the molecular level and implement these results in the planetary settings. You must have at least 15 ECTS credits in (geo)chemistry, mineralogy, aquatic (geo)chemistry, environmental (geo)chemistry, planetary (geo)chemistry, astrobiology or the equivalent at an advanced level. Excellent oral and written proficiency in English are required.

Practical experience in vibrational spectroscopy, spectral analyzes with minerals, rocks and soils and/or advanced spectral data evaluation (MATLAB, R, Python) are considered highly meritious. Experience in remote sensing (ENVI-IDL) are not mandatory but will be viewed favorably.  

You are motivated, ambitious, a logical thinker,  creative, and thorough in your work. You have  organization skills, and you are willing to participate in national and international meetings. You are able to work independently and also collaborate with the other research teams, and take all initiatives needed to enjoy and pursue a fully-funded four year degree.

Terms of employment 
The appointment aims at a PhD degree and the main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies, which includes participation in research projects as well as 40 ECTS in postgraduate courses. In the assignments, teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%) can be included. The employment is limited to four years full-time, and can be extended up to a fifth year to compensate for part-time teaching. The salary is determined according to the established salary levels by the University. You will be also offered a wide variety of employment benefits like paid holiday leave, reimbursement of fitness and medical expenses and doctor visits during paid working hours. The candidate’s physical workplace will be in Umeå, and starting date can be negotiated with the successful candidate.

Application  
The application must contain the following items:

• Curriculum vitae of a maximum of two A4;
• Cover letter of a maximum of one A4 stating why you are interested in the position;
• Certified copies of degree certificates, including documentation of completed academic courses and obtained grades;
• Names and contact information for at least two reference persons.

You apply through our e-recruitment Varbi system. Log in and apply using the link at the bottom of the page. The application deadline is Sep 23, 2022. Further information about the position can be obtained from Dr. Merve Yeşilbaş , e-mail: merve.yesilbas@umu.se,  web: https://www.yesilbaslab.com/.

Successful candidates will be interviewed during the application period. We look forward to receiving 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, of which approximately 40 graduate students, and a strong and expanding research. The Department has three major research areas: Biological Chemistry, Environmental and Biogeochemistry, and Technical Chemistry. We are active in three of the priority research areas of the Faculty of Science and Technology and are 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: http://www.teknat.umu.se/english/doctoral-studies/. For more information about working at Umeå University: https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/.

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020 was awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier, who was employed at Umeå University when the CRISPR-Cas9 method was developed.