About the Project
TalTech School of Science, Department of Geology, Mineral Resources Research Group offers a 4-year PhD position in Physical Sciences
Research field: Physical Sciences
Supervisor: Rutt Hints
Offered by: School of Science Department of Geology
Application deadline: Applications are accepted between November 16, 2020 00:00 and December 16, 2020 23:59 (Europe/Zurich)
Polymetallic black shales are complex resources, which could show enrichment in the number of heavy and rare metals, including vanadium. In black shales, enriched metals dominantly occur via disseminated sulfidic minerals or via different organic-metal complexes. In the case of vanadium, the development of metal porphyrins and isomorphic substitution of vanadium to the crystal structure of clay minerals have been suggested as the main pathways for metal trapping. However, until now, technological limitations and inadequate breaching between the studies focused on inorganic and organic compounds have hindered the development of a more sound understanding of vanadium behavior through syngenetic enrichment in oxygen-deprived paleomuds to diagenetic maturation processes of organic-rich deposits.
The objective of the PhD project is to investigate vanadium distribution in thermally immature black shales of the Baltic Paleobasin in order to understand factors and pathways, which controlled the development of vanadium enrichment and preservation. The secondary objective is to gain deeper insights into vanadium carriers in the considered black shales, including the possible influence of diagenetic changes and the formation of authigenic phases to vanadium retention.
The project involves collaboration with the Laboratory of Inorganic Materials (TalTech), the Estonian Geological Survey, and the Department of Geology, University of Tartu.
Responsibilities and tasks
The position is for a fixed-term period of 4 years, studying with full-load.
The specific task will include:
Collecting samples and conducting in-situ measurements with µXRF from drill cores and outcrops
Performing SEM observations and microanalyses with SEM-EDS, conducting ICP-MS analyses
Participating in the design and conducting laboratory experiments on black shale leaching and demineralization
Comparing and integrating collected and multidisciplinary data from other sources (XRF, XRD, organic geochemistry, stable isotope geochemistry), performing statistical analysis of the datasets
Reconstructing vanadium enrichment pathways and interpreting vanadium carriers in black shales
General responsibilities
Managing and carrying out the research project
Attending PhD courses
Writing 3 scientific articles and the PhD thesis
Disseminating the research results of the project
Participating in teaching and undergraduate supervision
The laboratory analyses and experiments will be conducted mostly at TalTech Department of Geology. The PhD student will visit an external research institution for a few months (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences or another partner institution).
The doctoral student will get doctoral allowance paid by the government and regular scholarship fixed by TalTech. Extra funding might be provided for the PhD student based on the progress of study and research.
Qualifications
A MSc Degree in Earth Sciences or related discipline (e.g., mineral processing, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, or material science)
Specific requirements for candidate:
Highly motivated in pursuing applied research in geochemistry and economic geology
Basic knowledge in the areas of geochemistry and mineralogy and interest in analytical techniques (ICP-MS, SEM-EDS)
Relevant experience in laboratory experimental or analytical studies in geochemistry or in associated disciplinary fields
Readiness to work on multidisciplinary research problems, good communication skills, using personal initiative for problem-solving
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