Are you an MSc graduate in Earth Sciences with a keen interest in the petrology and geochemistry of zircon? Please apply at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
 
Location: AMSTERDAM
FTE: 1

Job description
During this 4-year, fully funded PhD project you will use a combination of experimental and metamorphic petrology to improve constraints on the use of zircon crystals as thermobarometers in metamorphic and magmatic processes. You will develop a zircon trace element thermobarometer and validate it using UHP metamorphic rocks. The project will be carried out under supervision of Dr. Fraukje Brouwer (Metamorphic Petrology) and Prof. Wim van Westrenen (Experimental Petrology) with an extensive international team of collaborators.

Your duties

• perform petrological analysis and thermodynamic modelling of UHP mineral assemblages and Zrc-UPb dating to constrain PTt-paths for samples from two key UHP localities in collaboration with the Universities of Syracuse, Pavia, and Utrecht
• perform high-pressure experiments to determine zircon-mineral and zircon-melt trace element partitioning
• synthesize new zircon trace element standards in collaboration with Memorial University of Newfoundland
• perform EMP, LA-ICP-MS, SHRIMP and NanoSIMS (OU-UK) analysis of experimental run products and natural samples
• develop and test zircon trace element thermobarometer
• publish your results in the peer reviewed literature, and combine the work in a PhD thesis in year 4

• a current MSc degree in Earth or Planetary Science, specialising in Petrology and/or Geochemistry
• knowledge of and experience with metamorphic petrology (including thermodynamic modelling), experimental petrology, and/or analytical geochemistry are considered an advantage
• enthusiasm for academic scientific research in an internationally oriented and interdisciplinary research environment
• good oral and written communicative skills and the ability to work in a team are important

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts €2,325 (PhD) per month during the first year and increases to €2,972 (PhD) per month during the fourth 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 for a duration of 4 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 allowance based on public transport
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. And to be a university where personal education and societal involvement play a leading role. Where people from different disciplines and backgrounds work together on innovations and on generating new knowledge. Our teaching and research embrace the whole spectrum of science – from the humanities, the social sciences and the pure sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 23,000 students. We employ more than 4,500 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible, located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
Diversity is one of our university’s core values. We are an inclusive community, and we believe that diversity and international activities enhance the quality of education and research. We are always looking for people who can enhance diversity on our campus thanks to their background and experience.

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 position
The Department of Earth Sciences comprises a total of ~40 academic staff, organised in two research clusters. The Geology & Geochemistry cluster is well equipped with state-of-the-art experimental and analytical facilities. The cluster’s research is characterised by integration of field and laboratory studies with the application of state-of-the art experimental and analytical techniques. The high-pressure laboratory is equipped with piston-cylinder, multi-anvil, and gas mixing furnace apparatus.
The position is fully funded for a period of four years and is available immediately.