PhD position in Petrology and Geochemistry

Marie-Curie Initial Training Network ABYSS (ESR9)

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

Host institution: Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra, CSIC-University of Granada (Spain). Secondment institutions: University of Bremen (Germany), Géosciences Montpellier (France), Universitetet Oslo (Norway), University of Southampton (UK).
The Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra (Granada, Spain) seeks to appoint a PhD student for a research project in petrology, geochemistry and reaction path modelling. The successful applicant will work on natural constraints on CO2 sequestration in ultramafic rocks with C J. Garrido (CSIC, IACT) and Claudio Marchesi (University of Granada) in collaboration with W. Bach (Bremen), B. Ildefonse, M. Godard (Montpellier), B. Jamtveit (Oslo) and D. Teagle (Southampton).

Goals: To investigate natural examples of carbonated serpentinites preserving different stages of carbonation of ultramafic rocks to provide essential insight into the role of serpentinite carbonation in the global carbon cycle; and use natural constrains to develop strategies for in situ mineral carbonation of serpentinite for CO2 sequestration.
Methods: Fieldwork including mapping and sampling of different outcrops worldwide preserving fossil environments of natural carbonation of mafic and ultramafic rocks; Mineralogical, petrological and microstructural characterization by means of different instrumental techniques; Geochemical analyses (laboratory work and instrumental analysis); Thermodynamic and numerical modelling.

Requirements: Candidates must hold an MSc in Earth Sciences. Knowledge and previous experience on metamorphic/hydrothermal/structural geology, isotope geochemistry, and aqueous/hydrothermal thermodynamic reaction path modelling will be highly appreciated. S/he should be highly motivated by working in a team on an interdisciplinary topic, have an excellent command of English, well-organized and be able to work autonomously during field work.

This fellowship is for a period of 36 months starting no later than November 1, 2014.
For further information, contact: Carlos J. Garrido (carlos.garrido@csic.es)

This position has been filled