The Co-evolution of life and oxygen on Earth : A South American perspective

We are seeking four highly motivated candidates to undertake two PhD and two Postdoctorate projects as part of an international scientific project between Brazil, France and Australia supported by FAPESP, the São Paulo Research Foundation. The objective of this project is to develop an integrated approach (petrology, trace element and isotope geochemistry, geochronology, magnetic mineralogy) on key Paleoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic sedimentary successions of Brazil and Uruguay in order to investigate the temporal evolution of redox-changes within the atmosphere-hydrosphere system during the Great Oxidation Event (GOE) and the Neoproterozoic Oxidation Event (NOE). The study will be focused on a variety of sediments spanning different conditions of metamorphic equilibration. Samples will be collected in drill core repositories in Brazil or obtained directly in the field through scientific drilling.

The project requires a wide range of analyses (petrology, geochronology and isotope (C, N, S, Fe, Mo, Cr, U, Hf) geochemistry), which will be performed at the Universidade de São Paulo, the Institut de Physique du Globe in Paris, the Australian National University, the University of Montpellier and the Universidade Federal do Ouro Petro. We seek individuals with strong interest in petrology/geochemistry and analytical methods (SEM, EPMA, gas-mass spectrometers, multicollector and quadrupole LA-ICP-MS, SIMS and/or synchrotron techniques).

The two potential PhD candidates should have a Master Degree in Geosciences. The positions are limited to a term of 4 years, with three years based in Brazil and at least one year based abroad.  Salaries are commensurate with the FAPESP employee scale when based in Brazil and with European standards when based abroad.

The two potential Postdoctorate candidates should have a PhD preferably in Geosciences or a relevant discipline. The positions are for 1 year renewable 3 times upon satisfactory performance. Salaries are commensurate with the FAPESP employee scale when based in Brazil and European standards when based abroad (~ 1/3 of the time can be supported abroad).

All candidates should have an excellent understanding of petrology, geochronology and/or isotope geochemistry. Fluency in both spoken and written English is a prerequisite for the publication of results in international journals and the communication among the various scientific teams involved in the project. Knowledge of Portuguese is a plus.

Complete applications including a curriculum vitae, a copy of the Master certificate for the PhD candidates, a copy of the PhD certificate for the Postdoctorate candidates, a statement of research interests and names and contact details of two potential references should be sent to Prof. Pascal Philippot (philippot@ipgp.fr, http://www.ipgp.fr/~philippot/). Applications reviewing starts now (23 AUGUST 2017) and continues until the positions are filled.