The Department of Geological Sciences is part of the Faculty of Science at Stockholm University. It consists of approximately 80 teachers, researchers, doctoral students, and technical and administrative staff. The department conducts broad activities in basic and applied research in marine geology and geophysics, geochemistry, and classical geology.
More information about us can be found at: Department of Geological Sciences.
Project Description
This doctoral project investigates how abiotic organic molecules, synthesized under plausible prebiotic conditions, interact with mineral surfaces on early Earth to form some of the oldest organo-mineral 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 organo-mineral textures that may constitute early biosignatures.
Beyond laboratory work, the project includes a comparative component with field observations in the Atacama Desert, one of the closest natural analogues to the extreme, periodically humid environments thought to have existed on early Earth. Samples and observations from the field help place the laboratory experiments in a broader geological context.
During the course of the project, the student will receive solid training in organic geochemistry, prebiotic chemistry, carbonate biogeochemistry, and organomineralization processes, all within an international research team. This work will deepen our understanding of the processes that operated during early life's origin, and illuminate the differences between biosignatures and organosignatures, as well as between bio- and organo-proxies, and how these signals can be identified in Earth's geological record and potentially on other planets.
The accepted candidate will conduct doctoral research in close collaboration with Université de Fribourg (UniFR) and University of Connecticut, under co-supervision by Dr. Dupraz (Stockholm University) and Prof. Anneleen Foubert (UniFR).
Eligibility Requirements
To be admitted to doctoral education, the applicant must have general and specific eligibility. Eligibility must be fulfilled no later than the final application deadline.
You have general eligibility if you have completed an advanced-level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (hp), of which at least 60 hp at advanced level, or in some other way within or outside the country acquired essentially equivalent knowledge.
Specific eligibility is specified in the general study plan for doctoral education in geology and means that the applicant normally should have:
At least 90 higher education credits in geosciences
At least 30 higher education credits in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and/or biology depending on the chosen subject area within geochemistry or biogeochemistry
Furthermore, at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level, of which 30 credits consist of independent work in geosciences
Specific eligibility is also held by anyone who in some other way within or outside the country has acquired essentially equivalent knowledge.
Selection
Selection among eligible applicants is made with regard to the ability to benefit from 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 that simulate 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 collaborative skills
creativity, initiative, and independence
the applicant's potential to succeed, 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 thesis, references, relevant laboratory work or field experience, interviews, and the applicant's written motivation for applying for the position. Experience in organic synthesis, work under controlled atmosphere (anaerobic chambers), photochemical experiments, chromatographic analysis (GC-MS, HPLC), or geochemical modeling is considered meritorious.
Admission procedure for education at doctoral level at Stockholm University.
About the Position
We offer a fixed-term employment as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The employment period may not exceed what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a doctoral student, you should primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with education, research, and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20%).
A new doctoral student position applies for a maximum of one year; the employment is then renewed with a maximum of two years at a time.
Stockholm University is committed to being a workplace free from discrimination and provides equal rights and opportunities for all.
Contact
Further information is provided by Prof. Christophe Dupraz, [email protected]
You apply for the doctoral position through Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete in accordance with the announcement and that it is submitted to the university no later than the final application deadline.
Instructions for applicants can be found on the website: how to apply for employment.
Stockholm University contributes to the development of a sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment, and the pursuit of truth.The Department of Geological Sciences is part of the Faculty of Science at Stockholm University. It consists of approximately 80 teachers, researchers, doctoral students, and technical and administrative staff. The department conducts broad activities in basic and applied research in marine geology and geophysics, geochemistry, and classical geology.
More information about us can be found at: Department of Geological Sciences.
Project Description
This doctoral project investigates how abiotic organic molecules, synthesized under plausible prebiotic conditions, interact with mineral surfaces…