PhD student in Marine Seismic Sedimentology

The Department of Geological Sciences is part of the Faculty of Science at Stockholm University. The department 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 aims to document and reconstruct the evolution of marine fluid flow and gas hydrate systems on the Northeast Greenland shelf using an integrated seismo-acoustic, oceanographic, and sedimentological approach. The student will characterize present-day fluid migration pathways, map seafloor seepage expressions, and assess the sensitivity of gas hydrates to ice-sheet fluctuations and ocean warming since the Last Glacial Maximum. To achieve this, the project will combine qualitative and quantitative analyses of deep and shallow acoustic data with sediment core records and paleoenvironmental reconstructions.

The successful candidate will work with an extensive geophysical dataset including reflection seismic data, multibeam bathymetry, sub-bottom profiler data, and sediment cores collected during previous expeditions to the Northeast Greenland shelf. Additional core material, hydroacoustic data, and stratigraphic information will likely be obtained during upcoming expeditions. The student will also likely have the opportunity to collect new seismo-acoustic data and sediment cores during upcoming research expeditions.

This position is part of the new marine seismic sedimentology group at the Department of Geological Sciences, which conducts advanced research on sedimentary processes and sub-seafloor structures with applications in environmental reconstruction, geohazard assessment, and Arctic climate–cryosphere interactions. As a PhD student, you will join a collaborative research environment focused on understanding sediment–ocean–ice dynamics and the geological controls on subsurface fluid flow in polar regions.

During this four-year project, you will receive training in marine seismic data processing and interpretation, including processing of pre-stack seismic data and velocity analyses to characterize fluid properties and fault geometries. You will map seafloor seepage features from multibeam bathymetry, integrate existing sediment core geochemistry, isotope signatures, and biomarker analyses to determine fluid sources, and incorporate existing palaeoceanographic records to reconstruct environmental drivers of gas hydrate stability.

The project will be based at Stockholm University, with research stays at academic, and potentially, industry partners to support knowledge transfer between partners and provide access to expertise on seismic imaging, glaciated margins, and fluid–fault interactions. The student should be willing to participate in fieldwork and up to several multi-week research expeditions to the Arctic Ocean and Baltic Sea.

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 are described in the general syllabus for doctoral studies in the field of Marine 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 geology. For this position, math and physics, are relevant.
• In addition, at least 60 credits at the advanced level, including 30 credits of independent work in geosciences.

Special qualifications also have the person who acquired in a different order within or outside the country, essentially equivalent knowledge. 

Selection

The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. The following criteria will be used to assess this capacity: 

• The candidate’s documented knowledge in a relevant field of research. Candidates are expected to have experience with and/or training in marine geology, geophysics, and marine geophysical methods.
• Written and oral proficiency in English.
• The capacity for analytical thinking.
• The ability to collaborate, as well as creativity, initiative, and independence.

The assessment will be based on previous experience and grades, the quality of the degree project, references, relevant experience, interviews, and the candidate’s written motivation for seeking the position. In addition, previous experience working with marine geophysical data, sedimentological data and seismic processing is advantageous.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

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 period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a doctoral student, you should primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with education, research and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20 %).

A new employment as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, the employment is then renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

For more information, please contact Dr Christoph Böttner – christoph.bottner@geo.su.se.

Application

Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University’s recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

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