The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS) at the University of Houston is looking for research-oriented candidates for a PhD position in the isotope geochemistry group of Prof. Michael A. Antonelli. The topic of the PhD research will be related (but not limited) to the measurement and application of stable and radiogenic Ca isotopes in high-temperature natural systems. Candidates with a strong undergraduate background in geochemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, or a related discipline, with keen interests in Earth-system evolution, igneous/metamorphic petrology, the deep carbon cycle, volcanology, and/or hydrothermal systems, are especially encouraged to apply. The specific topic(s) of the PhD research are quite flexible and will be agreed upon in collaboration with the successful candidate. Talented candidates with research interests outside of the above-mentioned fields (e.g., in marine geochemistry, cosmochemistry, carbon capture, paleoclimatology, or related topics) are also encouraged to apply.
The PhD student will be supported on a research assistantship (including summer support) but will also be expected to gain teaching experience during their degree as a teaching assistant. The student will learn a variety of analytical skills in geochemistry, including isotopic analyses by TIMS and/or by multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS), major and trace element analyses (by Q-ICP-MS, XRF, EPMA, etc.), and a variety of other related analytical methods. They will also gain skills in petrography, mineral separation, and wet chemical analysis, and will learn/employ various geochemical modeling (incl. numerical models) and statistical techniques to interpret their data.
The student will benefit from the wide-ranging research groups (https://www.uh.edu/nsm/earth-atmospheric/) working on both high-temperature and low-temperature geochemical processes. The EAS department and UH hosts state-of-the-art analytical laboratories (e.g., TIMS, LA-ICP-MS, MC-ICP-MS, QQQ-ICP-MS, XRD, hydrothermal experimental lab), several clean labs, and sample preparation facilities. Houston is also the home of several other world-class research institutions with unique experimental and analytical facilities (e.g., NASA Johnson Space Center, Rice University) providing unparalleled opportunities for the student to build their academic network, collaborate with experts at other institutions, and fully explore their research interests as they evolve.
The applicant should hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the Earth and planetary sciences, chemistry, or a related discipline. The application must include (i) a cover letter (max. 2 pages) in which the student discusses their research interests and relevant experience, (ii) a full academic CV, (iii) transcripts of academic degrees, and (iv) contact information for 2 to 3 references. Applications and questions regarding the application should be submitted to Prof. Michael A. Antonelli (maantonelli@uh.eu). Applications will be evaluated starting on February 1, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is in the Summer or Fall of 2024.
