PhD position in Geobiology/Biopetrology

Marie-Curie Initial Training Network ABYSS (ESR11)

Training network on reactive geological systems from the mantle to the abyssal sub-seafloor

Host institution : Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (France) / Secondment institutions: University of Bremen (Germany) & Universita degli Studi di Genova (Italy)

The Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris seeks to appoint a PhD student for a geobiology research project, the aim of which is assessing how hydration of the ocean crust supports microbial life by providing chemical energy and organic compounds. The successful applicant will work on the characterization of oceanic rocks from a microbiological, petrological and mineralogical point of view in close collaboration with B. Ménez (IPGP), W. Bach (University of Bremen) and D. Brunelli (University of Genova & Modena and Reggio Emilia).

Methods: Microimaging techniques to characterize organic contents in geological material (SEM, TEM, µFTIR, µRaman, CLSM, Synchrotron Deep UV, Tof-SIMS imaging & FISH). Petrography and in situ geochemistry (EPMA and LA-(MC)-ICP-MS).

Goals: Acquire/develop expertise in high resolution techniques for in situ detection of biosignatures in oceanic crust samples; explore the metabolic diversity, energy sources, and biogeochemical transformations of deep ecosystems in the oceanic lithosphere; develop upscaling models constrained by bioenergetic considerations that aim at predicting biomass production at depth along with its impact on fluid circulations and elemental budgets.

Requirements: Candidates must hold an MSc in Biological or Earth Sciences. Knowledge in organic chemistry and petrology will be appreciated. Most importantly, she/he should be motivated by working in a team on an interdisciplinary topic.

This fellowship is for a period of 36 months starting no later than November 1, 2014.

For further information, contact: B. Ménez (menez@ipgp.fr)

This position has been filled