PhD Position in Chemistry
Department Overview
The Department of Geological Sciences is part of the Faculty of Science at Stockholm University. It consists of approximately 80 teachers, researchers, doctoral students, and technical/administrative staff. The department conducts a wide range of fundamental and applied research within marine geology and geophysics, geochemistry and classical geology.
More information about us, please visit: The Department of Geological Sciences.
Project Description
This PhD project investigates how abiotic organic molecules, synthesized under plausible prebiotic conditions, interact with mineral surfaces on the early Earth to yield some of the earliest organomineral structures preserved in the geological record. The central aim is to elucidate the organic geochemical pathways through which simple organic compounds polymerize into organofilms, modulate carbonate precipitation, and generate distinct organomineral textures that may constitute early biosignatures.
Working in close collaboration with a Postdoctoral researcher specializing in the organic synthesis and geochemistry of organofilms, the PhD student will take an active role in the preparation and organic geochemical characterization of abiotic organic matrices, including the synthesis of organofilm precursors from simple molecular building blocks, and will conduct organomineralization experiments under controlled environmental conditions.
Analytical approaches will include chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques (e.g., GC-MS, LC-MS, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy) alongside mineralogical methods, applied within laboratory systems designed to simulate early Earth environments including fluctuating redox conditions, wet–dry cycles, and interactions with mineral surfaces.
Beyond laboratory work, the project includes a comparative component involving field observations in the Atacama Desert, one of the closest natural analogues to the extreme, intermittently wet settings thought to have existed on the early Earth. Samples and observations from the field will help place the laboratory experiments in a broader geological context.
Over the course of the project, the student will receive comprehensive training in organic geochemistry, prebiotic chemistry, carbonate biogeochemistry, and organomineralization processes while working within an international research team. This work will advance our understanding of the processes operating during the early stages of life’s emergence, shedding light on the distinctions between biosignatures and organosignatures, as well as between bio- and organoproxies, and how these signals may be identified in the geological record on Earth, and potentially on other planets.
The successful candidate will carry out the PhD research in close partnership with the University of Fribourg (UniFR) and the University of Connecticut, under the co-supervision of Dr. Dupraz (Stockholm University) and Prof. Anneleen Foubert (UniFR).
Qualification Requirements
In order to be admitted to postgraduate education, the applicant must have the general and specific entry requirements. The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.
You meet general entry requirements if you have completed a second-cycle degree, or completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.
Specific Entry Requirements
The general syllabus for doctoral studies in Geology stipulates that the applicant must normally have:
- At least 90 credits in geosciences
- At least 30 credits in mathematics, physics, chemistry and/or biology depending on the chosen subject area within marine geology
- At least 60 credits at the advanced level, including 30 credits of independent work in geosciences
Special qualifications may also apply for individuals who have acquired equivalent knowledge within or outside the country.
Selection
Selection among eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. The following criteria will be used:
- Documented knowledge in organic geochemistry, organic synthesis, or prebiotic chemistry, and/or background in geochemistry, mineralogy, or related laboratory work
- Keen interest in the origin of life, prebiotic chemistry, early Earth environments, and organic-mineral interactions
- Experience with experimental systems simulating environmental conditions, and/or analytical techniques such as chromatography (GC-MS, HPLC), spectroscopy, microscopy, or isotope geochemistry
- Written and oral proficiency in English
- Analytical skills and ability to collaborate
- Creativity, initiative, and independence
- Candidate’s potential to succeed, demonstrated through a brief research proposal (max 2 pages) outlining approaches to organic geochemistry of prebiotic organofilm formation and organomineralization
Assessment will also consider previous experience and grades, degree project quality, references, relevant laboratory or field experience, interviews, and motivation letter.
Experience with organic synthesis, controlled-atmosphere work (anaerobic chambers), photochemical experiments, chromatographic analysis (GC-MS, HPLC), or geochemical modelling is considered advantageous.
About the Employment
We offer a fixed-term employment as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The employment period may not exceed full-time doctoral education of four years.
Doctoral students primarily devote themselves to doctoral education, but employment may include up to 20% teaching, research, or administrative duties.
Initial employment is for one year, renewable for up to two years at a time.
Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.
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