Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Geoscience programme. The position is available from May 2025 or later.
Title:
From the ocean to the continent: Understanding Jurassic environmental perturbations using terrestrial sedimentary archives
Research area and project description:
Candidates are invited to apply for a PhD position focused on the continental record of Jurassic paleoenvironmental change. The position is fully funded by the Danish Research Council.
The Early and Middle Jurassic is characterized by numerous environmental perturbations linked to repeated large-scale volcanism and carbon cycle change. Most of what we know about these environmental perturbations derives however from marine sedimentary archives, leaving great uncertainties about the response of terrestrial environments. This imbalance in sedimentary archives is however not intended, but rather due to the paucity of accessible and well-dated terrestrial sedimentary archives from this time interval. The extensive sedimentary record of Morocco, where numerous localities containing terrestrial sedimentary archives are present, offer nevertheless an exceptional opportunity to fill this knowledge gap.
Through a comprehensive survey in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, coupling investigations of terrestrial sedimentary dynamics based on a classical sedimentological approach with geochemical analyses, the research objectives of this project are: (1) to document the response of continental surfaces to both severe climate warming episode (the early Toarcian Jenkyns Event) and transient cooling episode (the Early Bajocian Event), by precisely reconstructing the evolution of the paleoenvironments and the hydrological cycle throughout the unfolding of these events, and (2) to quantify the accompanying change of atmospheric pCO2 by paleo-soils geochemical analyses and assess their role on the climate dynamics.
The tasks of the PhD student will be the following:
- Carry out extensive collaborative fieldwork campaigns (6–9 weeks in total) in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco
- Perform high-resolution sedimentological and stratigraphic field observations and interpretations
- Collect numerous bulk-rock samples in the field
- Execute laboratory work to prepare the samples (e.g., rock powdering, decarbonatation) and perform basic geochemical analyses such as handheld XRF analyses
- Interpret the results following a thorough literature review
- Present and discuss results at conference
- Publish scientific results in international peer-reviewed journals
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Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants must have a relevant Master’s degree (or at least one year of a Master’s degree to be qualified for a 4+4 years PhD scheme) in Geosciences/Geology, with good knowledge of sedimentary geology and fieldwork experience.
Willingness to perform laboratory work, ability to perform fieldwork in mountainous regions, and good communication skills in English (both oral and written) is necessary. Excellent interpersonal skills and an open attitude to interdisciplinary research is expected.
Furthermore, having one or more of the following qualifications would be advantageous:
- Being acquainted with fluvial/alluvial sedimentology
- Previous experience in paleoclimate/paleoenvironmental research
- Good command of vectorial graphic software
- Involvement in scientific outreach
Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Geoscience
Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 2, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact: Associate Professor Stéphane Bodin, stephanie.bodin@geo.au.dk
How to apply:
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying.
When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 December 2024)
Please note:
At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.
