Tracking changes in Archean ocean chemistry: New insights by applying a coupled stable isotope approach in banded iron formations

PhD projects which will place new constraints on the evolution of the early Earth, which encompass both high and low temperature geochemistry, isotope geochemistry and igneous/metamorphic petrology are available at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.

Project Outline
Sustained continental emergence (i.e. above sea-level) was a pivotal moment in Earth’s history. However, the question of when this happened and how much continental crust was initially emergent in the past remain poorly constrained. Therefore, biologic and atmospheric evolution is intimately linked to poorly understood changes in the solid Earth. This PhD project will integrate the natural record of banded iron formations from Western Australia to place new constraints on the chemical composition of the Archean oceans. By implementing a range of modern non-traditional geochemical techniques, including neodymium and zinc stable isotopes this project will seek to place new constraints on the evolution of Archean oceans and the timing of shifts in key chemical parameters that can be tied to the onset of continental emergence. This work is undertaken through collaboration with the Geological Survey of Western Australia. Supervised by Dr. Alex McCoy-West and Professor Peter Cawood.

Previous experience with clean laboratory geochemistry and or mass spectrometer experience will be considered favourably.

The Environment
The PhD candidate will join the dynamic Pulse of the Earth research group led by Professor Peter Cawood that aims to establish the origin and evolution of continents, from crust to lithospheric roots, and their role in the long-term development and evolution of the Earth system. Active researchers include specialists in isotope geochemistry (Dr. Alex McCoy-West), petrology and geodynamics (Dr. Priyadarshi Chowdhury) and geochronology (Dr. Jack Mulder).

Renowned for its high standards in teaching and research. Monash University that is continually ranked in the World’s top 100. The School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment has a suite of world-class research facilities in geochemistry, geobiology and geodynamics. Of direct relevance to this project it houses a suite of laboratories and equipment including: a ThermoFisher Neptune Plus MC-ICP-MS, a Triton Plus TIMS, a triple-quadrupole iCAP-TQ and a single-quadrupole iCAP-Q ICP-MS, ASI-RESOlution ArF 193 nm excimer and New Wave UP 213 nm Nd-YAG solid-state laser ablation systems, and a class 350 clean laboratory for isotope geochemistry. The School also benefits from access to state-of-the-art user facilities such as the Monash Centre for Electron Microscopy, the Monash X-ray Platform, the Monash Micro Imaging facility and the Australian Synchrotron, which is located immediately adjacent to Monash's Clayton campus.

To Apply
Applicants will typically hold:
- A bachelor's degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in the field of geology, and which normally includes a research component in the fourth year (thesis), leading to a first-class honours (high final marks) in one of the fields of geochemistry, geobiology, geochronology, or igneous/metamorphic petrology.

- A master's degree that entails work, normally including a significant research component (thesis), at least equivalent to an Honours degree in one of the fields of geochemistry, geobiology, geochronology, or igneous/metamorphic petrology.

Monash scholarships are highly competitive and successful applicants generally have relevant additional research experience, awards and/or research publications in international journals. Scholarships are available for immediate start for applicants with exceptional Tertiary qualifications.

Applicants for whom English is not first language, you must aware of the need to meet the English Language Requirements of the University.

If you fit the requirements, please send your informal enquiry to [Email Address Removed] with a copy of your curriculum vitae and cover letter. Interviews will be conducted to assess research potential with shortlisted candidates.

Applications are accepted all year round with the next scholarship round closing 31st of March 2020. Expressions of interest should be submitted no later than 2 weeks prior to the closing dates.