Applications are invited for a fully-funded three-year PhD to commence in October 2022.
The PhD will be based in the Faculty of Science & Health, and will be supervised by Dr Catherine Mottram, Dr James Darling (University of Portsmouth), Dr Dawn Kellett (Geological Survey of Canada) and Dr Patrick Sack (Yukon Geological Survey).
Candidates applying for this project may be eligible to compete for one of a small number of bursaries available. Successful applicants will receive a bursary to cover tuition fees for three years and a stipend in line with the UKRI rate (£16,062 for 2022/2023). Bursary recipients will also receive an annual contribution of £1,500 per year towards consumables, conference, project or training costs.
The work on this project could involve:
● An exciting opportunity to conduct geological fieldwork in the Yukon, northern Canada in collaboration with the Geological Survey of Canada, the Yukon Geological Survey and Canadian exploration mining companies.
● Hands-on experience working with industry on mineral exploration targets, and getting experience working in mining exploration camps in the Yukon.
● Solving important problems of how and when metals critical for the energy transition concentrate in the Earth’s crust.
Project description
In this exciting industry and government- supported PhD project you will get the opportunity to explore how, when and why metals critical to the energy transition are concentrated in the crust. The transition to low or zero carbon economies is essential for a sustainable future for our planet. To meet demand for new technologies and green energy solutions, supply of energy transition and critical metals (e.g. Cu, Mo, Li, REEs) must increase rapidly. These important metals concentrate in hydrothermal fluids and magmas within the Earth’s crust. To develop predictive models for mineral systems it is imperative to understand when the mineralizing fluids were active, what the geodynamic setting was during mineralization, and how fluid sources have evolved through time. This project will utilize innovative new technologies for carbonate U-Pb geochronology that can provide this knowledge, and will work with partners at the Geological Survey of Canada, Yukon Geological Survey and mining and exploration companies to refine understanding of world-class porphyry and epithermal ore deposits.
The project aims to understand the tectonic controls on mineralization in the mountains of north-western Canada. The project will involve industry and government-supported field work in central Yukon, including work experience at mineral exploration camps, cutting-edge laboratory work at the University of Portsmouth and opportunities to present the project results at international conferences.
This project will contribute to our understanding of when, how and why metals concentrate in the crust. Findings will be applicable not only in the Yukon, but throughout the Arctic and worldwide; increasing the efficiency of exploration and lessening the impact on the environment and local communities. You will develop transferable applications and models for similar mineral deposits (containing critical metals and other metals that are key to the energy transition) and improve resource security worldwide.
General admissions criteria
You must have a good first degree from an internationally recognised university (minimum upper second class or equivalent, depending on your chosen course) or a Master’s degree in an appropriate subject. In exceptional cases, we may consider equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications. English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
Specific candidate requirements
You will need a degree in geology (earth science, geosciences or equivalent) and ideally some geological field experience and interest in laboratory work (although no previous laboratory experience is required).
How to Apply
We encourage you to contact Dr Catherine Mottram ([Email Address Removed]) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.
When you are ready to apply, you can use our online application form. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV. Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process.
If you want to be considered for this funded PhD opportunity you must quote project code SEGG7001022 when applying.
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