PhD Student in Geological Sciences

Stockholm University

Reference number: SU FV-4569-25
Institution: Stockholm University, Department of Geological Sciences
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Employment type: Full-time, temporary PhD position
Application deadline: 31 January 2026

Project Overview

The project investigates how prebiotic organic matter interacted with minerals on early Earth to form the earliest sedimentary structures, potentially resembling biosignatures.

Key aspects:

  • Study of organofilms and their influence on carbonate precipitation

  • Laboratory experiments simulating early Earth environments: fluctuating redox conditions, wet–dry cycles, mineral interactions

  • Fieldwork in the Atacama Desert for natural analog comparisons

  • Training in carbonate biogeochemistry, organomineralization, and geomicrobiology

  • International collaboration with University of Fribourg (UniFR) and University of Connecticut

  • Supervision: Dr. Christophe Dupraz (Stockholm University) & Prof. Anneleen Foubert (UniFR)

Duties

  • Conduct original PhD research

  • Participate in laboratory and fieldwork

  • Develop and execute experiments in organomineralization

  • Prepare a doctoral thesis (~4 years full-time)

  • Limited departmental duties allowed (max 20%)

Eligibility

General requirements:

  • Completed second-cycle degree (Master’s) or equivalent (240 HE credits, 60 at second-cycle level)

  • Equivalent international qualifications accepted

Specific requirements:

  • ≥90 credits in geosciences

  • ≥30 credits in math, physics, chemistry, or biology

  • ≥60 advanced-level credits, including 30 in independent geoscience work

Special qualifications:

  • Relevant laboratory or field experience in geochemistry, mineralogy, organic chemistry, or prebiotic chemistry

  • Experience with experimental systems or analytical techniques (spectroscopy, microscopy, isotope geochemistry)

  • Proficiency in English (written and spoken)

  • Creativity, initiative, analytical skills, independence

Assessment Criteria

  • Academic record and grades

  • Quality of prior research projects or theses

  • Relevant lab/field experience

  • Research proposal (max 2 pages) submitted with application

  • References and interviews

  • Advantageous: controlled-atmosphere work, photochemical experiments, geochemical modeling

Employment Terms

  • Fixed-term employment under Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100)

  • Max 4 years full-time equivalent

  • Primary focus on doctoral education; departmental duties limited to 20%

Application Requirements

  • Personal letter / motivation statement

  • Curriculum vitae (CV)

  • Attachments requested in Stockholm University’s application form

Application portal: Stockholm University recruitment system

Contact

Principal Supervisor:
Prof. Christophe Dupraz
Email: christophe.dupraz@geo.su.se

Union Representatives:

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