Palaeointensity

The Earth Dynamics Research Group, part of the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Curtin University, has a PhD scholarship available for research focused on palaeomagnetism and absolute palaeointensity studies in relation to the palaeogeographic evolution of the Earth and its influence on the long term evolution of Earth’s magnetic field. Samples of mafic rocks from Australia are already available for the candidate to start the project immediately after commencement of the position, but new samples from elsewhere may also be acquired during the study. The project will be highly interdisciplinary, also involving geochronology and isotope geochemistry through collaboration with team members.

The available position is 3-4 years full-time (to start as soon as possible) with the successful applicant being offered a competitive scholarship stipend and a student fee waiver. The successful candidate will be self-reliant, have excellent communication skills, have a demonstrated research background (including laboratory and field-based work) in paleomagnetism, rock-magnetism, or other disciplines of geophysics or physics, and a proven ability in the dissemination of their scientific results.

The successful candidate will join a diverse team of researchers within the Earth Dynamics Research Group (http://geodynamics.curtin.edu.au/) led by recent ARC Australian Laureate Fellow Prof. Z.X. Li and ARC Future Fellow Luc Doucet within the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences. Curtin University is home to one of Australia’s leading institutions for geoscience research and has an excellent international reputation for quality research and extensive research infrastructure.

Please contact Uwe Kirscher for additional information (uwe.kirscher@curtin.edu.au).

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must have either 1st class Honours (or equivalent qualification with research experience) or MSc in the Earth sciences (or other relevant field).

Applicants should meet the University English Language Requirements (available here).

Previous experience in palaeointensity/palaeomagnetism will be highly regarded.

How to Apply

To apply, please send the following to Dr. Josh Beardmore (josh.beardmore@curtin.edu.au):

• your CV (with digital copies of any authored scientific publications, if applicable),
• details of BSc (Hons.) and/or MSc, including copies of academic transcripts and the abstract of your thesis (if applicable),
• a brief letter explaining your research interests and preferred choice of project(s) (including your rationale for that choice), and
• the names and contact details of three references that may be contacted for a recommendation letter.

Applications are invited continuously, and the position is open until filled. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, and the preferred candidates sent offers as soon as possible.