Open PhD position, Department of Geosciences, Università di Padova, Padua, Italy

Open PhD position (25th series) at the Department of Geosciences, Università di Padova, Padua, Italy, starting from January 1st 2010

Application Deadline: October 2, 2009

Integrated methodologies for the study of mantle rocks and diamond inclusions
Supervisors: P. Nimis, F. Nestola, A. Marzoli

The research programme involves the implementation of new analytical and thermobarometric methodologies and their integration with up-to-date methodologies for the study of diamonds and of their mantle host rocks. The programme will develop through:
(a) the calibration of the Flank method for point analysis of Fe3+ on clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene;
(b) the recalibration of the orthopyroxene-garnet geothermometer and of the clinopyroxene geobarometer;
(c) the mineralogical, chemical, geochemical and thermobarometric analysis (also using the newly calibrated techniques) of inclusions in diamonds and of mantle xenoliths from diamondiferous and barren kimberlites.
We predict that the results will help to develop a better understanding of the role of intensive variables (P-T-¦O2) and metasomatic processes in the formation of diamond and in the controlling of the diamond potential of kimberlites.
The research will require extensive lab work (EMPA, SIMS, LA-ICP-MS, single-crystal Mössbauer spectroscopy, microRaman) both in Padova and in several high-level Italian and foreign research institutions.

Requirements
• Degree in Geosciences
• Solid base of knowledge in the fields of mineralogy, petrology and geochemistry
• Good attitude toward collaborative work
• Good written and spoken English skills

Employment conditions
• Three-year PhD scholarship, with a net monthly salary of 1000 € (after taxes).
• An additional budget will be available during periods of stay at foreign institutions.
• Guaranteed funding for research and training activities (including travels, use of in-house and external analytical facilities, attendance to conferences).
• A personalized training program.
Deadlines
• Candidates should apply by October 2, 2009. Application procedures will soon be published athttp://www.unipd.it/studenti/Dopo_laurea/dottorati_ricerca/bandi_dottorato_grad/bandidottoratograduatorie.htm.
Note that our PhD programme is not covered by the 15 PhD grants for foreign students, which you will find on the same web-site.
• An examination (written test + interview) will take place at our Department on October 20-21, 2009.

Useful links
Studying in Padova:http://www.unipd.it/en/events/StudyingPadua07_08.pdf
Living in Padova:http://www.unipd.it/en/events/livingPadua07-08.pdf
Dept. of Geosciences:http://www.geoscienze.unipd.it

Please, do not hesitate to contact us for any additional information you may need.
Looking forward to seeing you in Padova.