PhD in Experimental Petrology and Isotope Geochemistry of Ancient Zircons

PhD in Experimental Petrology and Isotope Geochemistry of Ancient Zircons

What was Earth like over four billion years ago? In this PhD project, you’ll use cutting-edge experiments and geochemical analyses to uncover the chemical signatures of the oldest surviving minerals on Earth – Hadean zircons – and shed new light on the origins of our planet.

Job description

The Earth’s earliest history, the Hadean eon, is largely lost to time. Since no rocks have survived from this period, scientists rely on three key sources of evidence to reconstruct it: numerical modelling, comparative planetology (using the Moon and Mars), and the study of ancient zircon crystals (ZrSiO₄) that formed more than four billion years ago. This project focuses on the latter.

In this PhD position, you will develop a new generation of experiments to systematically grow zircon crystals under tightly controlled conditions, varying factors such as pressure, temperature, water content and melt composition. These experiments will yield essential reference data to understand how zircon isotopes, particularly oxygen, zirconium and silicon, behave under early Earth-like conditions. You will then apply advanced analytical protocols to measure these isotopes using multi-collector ICP-MS techniques.

The ultimate goal? To reinterpret the global archive of Hadean zircons and offer new constraints on the physical and chemical environment of early Earth, including the atmosphere, crust, and even the potential for life. You will work closely with an interdisciplinary team as part of the NWO-funded Pre-life consortium. This includes collaborations with leading scientists in early Earth studies and origins-of-life research, as well as access to workshops, training, and exchange opportunities across the Netherlands and abroad.

Your daily supervision will be provided by Dr. Edgar Steenstra (experimental petrology) and Dr. Pieter Vroon (geochemistry and isotope analysis), and you’ll be part of a vibrant and international research community at TU Delft’s Department of Geoscience & Engineering.

Job requirements

• You hold a Master’s degree in Earth sciences, physics, astronomy, or a related field.
• You have a strong interest in geochemistry, experimental petrology and/or planetary science.
• You are skilled in analytical techniques and confident working with quantitative data.
• Experience with high-temperature experiments and/or (MC-)ICP-MS is a strong plus.
• You’re curious, self-motivated, and eager to tackle complex scientific questions.
• You thrive in an interdisciplinary, international research environment.
• You communicate clearly in English, both in writing and speaking.
• You are committed to publishing your results and engaging with the scientific community.

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 € 3059 per month in the first year to € 3881 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.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

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.