Researcher in Geochemistry

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The Department of Earth Sciences conducts research and education in earth sciences and geography. Research is organized around three principal themes: climate and climate change, earth surface processes, and the geosphere. Within the Geosphere research area, we study the Earth's geological processes and natural resources, ranging from bedrock and minerals to groundwater and geothermal energy. Research includes geology, geochemistry, mineralogy, hydrogeology, and the application of geochemical and geochronological methods to understand crustal evolution and mineral resource systems. For more information about the Department see here.

The Department of Earth Sciences is seeking a researcher for a fixed-term position focusing on the thermal evolution of critical raw material mineral systems in the Bergslagen ore province, Sweden, using integrated geochronological and thermochronological approaches.

Subject area

Geochemistry, with a focus on geochronology, thermochronology and the thermal evolution of critical raw material mineral systems.

Subject description

Critical raw material deposits may record complex post-mineralization thermal histories that can modify mineral assemblages, redistribute elements and influence the preservation of mineral systems. Geochronological and thermochronological methods provide complementary constraints on the timing and temperature of these processes and can therefore improve understanding of the long-term evolution of mineral deposits.

The project investigates the thermal evolution of critical raw material mineral systems in the Bergslagen ore province, Sweden. The research integrates in-situ Rb-Sr geochronology with multi-mineral (U-Th)/He thermochronology and complementary mineral characterization to constrain post-mineralization thermal events from deposit to regional scale.

The purpose of the position is to complete and integrate geochronological and thermochronological datasets, interpret the thermal evolution of the investigated mineral systems, and contribute to the completion and submission of scientific manuscripts arising from the project.

Duties

The researcher will work with existing and newly generated geochronological and thermochronological data from critical raw material mineral systems in the Bergslagen ore province. The main duties include:

• processing, evaluating and interpreting in-situ Rb-Sr geochronological and multi-mineral (U-Th)/He thermochronological data;
• integrating geochronological, thermochronological and mineral-characterization data to constrain post-mineralization thermal events and the thermal evolution of the investigated mineral systems;
• conducting complementary LA-ICP-MS/MS and SEM-based analytical work where required to complete the existing datasets;
• contributing substantially to the interpretation of results and to the writing, submission and revision of scientific manuscripts for peer review; and
• collaborating with researchers at the University of Gothenburg and with national and international academic and mineral-exploration partners.

The duties may be adjusted within the overall scientific scope of the project depending on data availability and manuscript needs.

Qualifications

Requirements

The applicant must have:

• completed a doctoral degree, or have a corresponding foreign degree deemed comparable to a Swedish doctoral degree, in geology, geochemistry, Earth sciences, or another subject relevant to the position;
• documented research experience in geochronology and thermochronology;
• documented experience in Rb-Sr geochronology and (U-Th)/He thermochronology;
• experience in processing, evaluating and interpreting geochronological and thermochronological data;
• experience with LA-ICP-MS or LA-ICP-MS/MS and SEM-based mineral characterization;
• documented experience in scientific writing and publication in international peer-reviewed journals; and
• very good ability to communicate orally and in writing in English.

Meritorious qualifications

The following qualifications are considered advantageous:

• experience concerning the thermal evolution of mineral deposits or mineral systems;
• experience integrating high- and low-temperature geochronological and thermochronological methods;
• research experience related to critical raw materials and ore deposits;
• experience developing or implementing analytical workflows for geochronological applications;
• a strong publication record in geochemistry, geochronology, thermochronology, mineral systems, or related fields; and
• experience working in international and interdisciplinary research collaborations, including collaboration with geological surveys and the mineral-exploration or mining

Assessment criteria

Selection will be based on an overall assessment of the applicant's scientific competence, methodological experience, publication record, technical skills, and suitability for the specific duties of the position.

Particular weight will be given to documented experience of:

1. applying and interpreting Rb-Sr geochronology;
2. applying and interpreting multi-mineral (U-Th)/He thermochronology;
3. integrating geochronological and thermochronological datasets to reconstruct the thermal evolution of mineral systems;
4. using LA-ICP-MS/MS and SEM-based analytical approaches in geoscientific research; and
5. independently completing scientific analyses and manuscripts within a limited project

Personal qualities

The position requires a researcher who can work independently, take responsibility for a clearly defined research task, and deliver results within a short employment period.

The applicant is expected to:

• have strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• work carefully, systematically and with a high degree of scientific rigor;
• take initiative and independently drive research tasks forward;
• communicate analytical approaches, interpretations and results clearly;
• collaborate effectively with researchers and external partners from different disciplinary and professional backgrounds;
• respond constructively to scientific feedback; and
• meet agreed deadlines for analyses, figures, documentation and manuscript preparation.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability and on the applicant's documented ability to carry out the stated duties efficiently and to a high scientific standard.

Employment

The employment is a fixed-term position as researcher for four months.

Extent: 100%, full-time

Location: Department of Earth Sciences, University of Gothenburg

Employment period: 1 November 2026-28 February 2027

Start date: 1 November 2026, or as agreed

The University applies individual salary setting.

Selection process

The selection process may include an interview, reference checks, and a short presentation or discussion of the applicant's previous research and proposed approach to the project analyses.

Contact information

For further information about the scientific content of the position, please contact:

Prof. Robert Björk

Department of Earth Sciences, University of Gothenburg

Email: robert.bjork@gu.se

Unions

Information about union representatives at the University of Gothenburg is available on the University's website for applicants.

Application

Applications must be submitted via the University of Gothenburg's digital recruitment system. The application must include:

1. a cover letter describing the applicant's relevant scientific background and explaining how the applicant's qualifications match the duties of the position;
2. a curriculum vitae, including the date of the doctoral degree and a complete list of publications;
3. a copy of the doctoral degree

Documents that are not written in English, Swedish, Norwegian, or Danish must be accompanied by a translation into English or Swedish.

The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete and has been received by the University no later than the application deadline. Only applications submitted via the recruitment system will be considered.

The application must be received no later than 29 October 2026.

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden's regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.