This three-year PhD student position is based at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam’s (VU) Department of Earth Sciences, and within the framework of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network (MSCA-ITN) project “FluidNET: Fluids driving the evolution of the continental crust: influence of pathway networks, fluxes, and time scales”. http://www.fluidnet.eu/ FluidNET will host 12 PhD students (ESRs) at institutions across Europe.

Objectives:  To decipher conditions, timing and mechanisms of fluid release during the prograde Barrovian metamorphism of pelitic rocks. To fully quantify the fluid release framework in terms of age and metamorphic conditions for a natural “continuous section” laboratory. To set-up and test crushing routines for vein quartz formed at different crustal levels using the world-leading multi-collector noble gas mass spectrometers at VU (2013 vintage Helix MC, 2016 vintage ARGUS VI+).
Expected Results: Stepwise crushing 40Ar/39Ar analyses will result in provenance information for the fluid phases in terms of their K, Ca and Cl chemistry, and test the hypothesis of synchroneity-asynchroneity of vein formation during orogenic formation. ESR1 will accomplish an overview of stepwise crushing of vein quartz and minerals from their host rocks that provides the network partners a ‘time framework’ for vein formation at different crustal levels.

The PhD student will be employed by the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands and enrolled in its doctoral programme, which is part of the Graduate School SENSE. International collaboration is foreseen with 12 weeks of planned secondments at the Open University (UK) and ThermoFisher (Germany). In the context of your research project, you will interact with collaborators at ETH-Z (Switzerland), RWTH-Aachen (Germany), and the university of Milano Bicocca (Italy).

FluidNET’s objectives are:

• To link micro-analytical and geochemical modelling results to macro-scale geo-mechanical models that provide insight into the physical development of crustal-scale veining networks. Micro- to crustal-scale fluid flow models will provide testable insights into the complex links between fluid fluxes, transport length- and timescales and the formation of economically important resources. A new generation of validated models will provide a set of general predictive rules using chemical and physical properties of the crust (e.g., whole rock chemistry, permeability, grain size, layering), chemical and pressure – temperature gradients, derived from the scientific questions that form the basis of the FluidNET approach
• To provide training for 12 early-stage researchers (ESRs) in state-of-the-art science concepts, analytical approaches and communication and public engagement skills; in building awareness of career opportunities beyond academia and opportunities to build individual scientific networks, in close collaboration with our non-academic network partners; and in a broad range of approaches to complex issues involving scientific, technological, and societal challenges
• To promote and develop the visibility of European research in the metal resource sector such that the results of the new EU Green Deal initiative will experience significant growth in the coming years. Visibility will be promoted by forging an EU based platform that will provide training, e.g., summer-schools and webinars, and serve as a knowledge base through links with data base platforms such as EPOS.

Your duties

• To carry out research on the time scales and provenance of hydrous fluids in selected settings using 40Ar/39Ar stepwise crushing, and major and trace element analysis on selected vein samples
• To interact with network partners working on complementary projects, locally and for consortium partners
• To take on responsibilities in networking activities, including organization of workshops, dissemination and outreach initiatives

• MSc degree in Earth Sciences, preferably specializing in petrology, geocchemistry and/or mineralogy
• Commitment to academic excellence with a track record of excellent research
• Proven skills in executing research in state-of-the-art analytical laboratoriesas well as for sampling in the field
• A high level of proficiency in the English language, both in oral and written communication (level B1 - C2)
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Outstanding interpersonal skills to work with multiple stakeholders.

Eligibility criteria for ITN ESR fellowships

• Mobility rule: ESR Fellows may not have lived in the Netherlands for more than 12 months out of the 36 months prior to enrolment. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account.
• Early Stage Researcher rule: ESRs are in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers, and have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree. ‘Full-time equivalent research experience’ is measured from the date when the researcher obtained the degree entitling him/her to embark on a doctorate (either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the researcher is recruited or seconded) – even if a doctorate was never started or envisaged.
• Admission rule: At the time of enrolment, the applicant is in possession of a diploma that is recognized prerequisite for entering a PhD programme, for example an MSc degree.

These eligibility criteria are non-negotiable and ineligible applicants will not be considered.
Eligible applicants can be of any nationality.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts €2,790 per month during the first year and increases to €3,061 (PhD) per month during the third year, based on a full-time employment. The job profile: is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 1 FTE.

The appointment will initially be for 1 year. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended to a total duration of 3 years.

Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavour – from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 26,000 students. We employ over 4,600 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.

Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to around 6,000 students.
About the department and the project
The department of Earth Sciences of VUA aims to understand and inform society on the complex interactions between the Earth Spheres. The department is a unique combination of earth scientists, petrologists, mineralogists, geochemists, physical geographers and climate modellers. We develop methods to better understand the complex interactions between the Earth Spheres. The project’s focus is on transport mechanisms of hydrous fluids in the crystalline continental crust, both from an academic and societally relevant perspective. Academia – industry – NGO interaction under this theme is a prominent part of the offered training.