PhD Opportunity at University of Geneva, Switzerland

A PhD project is available at the Department of Mineralogy, University of Geneva, entitled "Magmatic and tectonic evolution of the Pataz Batholith, Northern Peru". The aim of this project is assess the relative contributions of subduction versus rift-related magmatism in this area of northern Peru, and hence better understand the geodynamic evolution of this segment of the Andes during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic.

The project includes (a) fieldwork in northern Peru in the area around the Pataz Batholith( ca. 300 km inland of Trujillo, Valle Marañon) to establish the emplacement sequence of the magmatic rocks, to study the regional structures within and around the batholith, and take samples for geochemical and geochronological studies of granitoid rocks from within the batholith and from volcanic rocks of the hosting Paleozoic to Mesozoic strata; and (b) laboratory work in Geneva (the major part of the project), including whole-rock chemistry and Pb-Nd-Hf isotope chemistry as well as U-Pb-dating and determination of Hf isotopic compositions of zircon.

The position is funded by the Swiss Fonds National de Recherche Scientifique, with a starting salary (before deduction of social security and taxes) of SFR. 2'650,00/month. The successful applicant should start the project in Geneva between January 1st and March 1st, 2004, a first field season is envisaged to start in April/May 2004. The project benefits from a close collaboration (including logistical as well as geological support from different mining companies and from Ingemmet, Peruvian Geological Survey organisation). The student will be carefully introduced to regional geology and be accompanied throughout the project by a mapping team of Ingemmet geologists.

Requirements: We seek a candidate who is capable of doing fieldwork in high altitude and in a physically challenging and remote terrain. The project clearly demands a strong affinity for laboratory work, including micro-chemistry in a clean-air laboratory, low-level isotopic analyses and mass spectrometry. Languages: English, French and Spanish; willingness to learn conversational Spanish is essential.

Candidates are kindly asked to supply a CV, three academic references, as well as a personal statement why they are interested in this project and about their motivation to continue their studies with a PhD. For further information please contact Urs Schaltegger, +41 22 379 66 38, urs.schaltegger@terre.unige.ch, or David Chew, +41 22 379 66 24, david.chew@terre.unige.ch. Closing date for applications is Nov. 30, 2003.

Applications are kindly requested to be sent to the following address: Prof. U. Schaltegger, Université de Genève, Département de Minéralogie, rue des Maraîchers 13, 1205 Genève, Switzerland.