PhD Position Novel Constraints on Reading the Isotope and Trace-Element Signatures of Hadean Zircons

PhD Position: Novel Constraints on Reading the Isotope and Trace-Element Signatures of Hadean Zircons

This PhD project involves conducting state-of-the-art experiments and geochemical analyses of zircons to decode the Earth's ancient environment

Job description

The rock record from the Hadean period has been completely erased during subsequent Earth evolution, the properties of Earth’s atmosphere, surface, and crust during this key period for the origin of life can only be studied in three ways: (1) numerical modelling; (2) comparative planetology, in which comparisons are made with Moon and Mars on which part of the Hadean rock record survived; (3) interpreting the chemical composition of individual zircons (ZrSiO4) that, unlike the rocks in which they formed, were sufficiently resistant to erosion to survive from the Hadean until the present day. A key issue with all current models is that experimental data that quantify how the compositions of zircons vary as a function of the properties of the environment in which they form are scarce or completely lacking. In this PhD project, you will systematically determine the O, Zr and Si isotope fractionation factors between zircon and the surrounding melt from which these zircons grow, as a function of temperature, pressure, water concentrations, and melt compositions.

Within your PhD research you will:

• Develop experimental techniques to grow zircon under controlled conditions (P, T and melt composition).
• Develop techniques to measure the Zr, Si and O isotope composition of zircons by MC-ICPMS.
• Interpreted the published record of Hadean zircons with the new information from your project.

The supervisors of this project will be Dr Edgar Steenstra (experimental petrology) and Dr. Pieter Vroon (geochemistry/isotopes). This project is part of an NWO funded Pre-life consortium that will provide you with additional training and scientific workshops in related topics.

Job requirements

• We are looking for a person with a strong background in experimental petrology, geochemistry and/or planetary science.
• The project contains a large component of experimental and analytical work and therefore requires strong analytical and quantitative skill and working in a team.
• You must have a master’s degree in Earth sciences, physics, astronomy or a closely-related field.
• Experience with working with ICP-MS/MC-ICPMS and/or experimental petrology is highly desirable.
• You are expected to work independently as well as part of a diverse team, including international research partners.
• You are expected to communicate fluently in English (oral and written) and to present your results to the scientific community as peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences and meetings.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 🚀

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 270 PhD candidates and close to 3000 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2901 per month in the first year to € 3707 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. E. S. Steenstra, via e.s.steenstra@tudelft.nl or contact Dr. P.Z. Vroon via p.z.vroon@vu.nl.