PhD Student in Geological Sciences

Stockholm University

Sweden

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%