PRR Project

Summary

The University of Coimbra (UC) is seeking a candidate with proven experience as leading researcher in the field of mineral resources, with a strong background in petrology and geochemistry. Equally valued will be the candidate strengths in knowledge transfer in its various guises. The desired scientific profile tackles more specifically expertise in ore forming systems associated with igneous intrusions and the petrogenesis of their host rocks, using a field-based and geochemical approach. The candidate will be a valuable addition to the current staff, where expertise in these or complementary fields exists (e.g. mineral prospectivity, mining waste upcycling).The study of geological processes that concentrate certain elements in the crust are highly relevant to our modern society demands. The UC, and as part of its missions, is committed to attract human resources to work on new developments and policies required to meet society needs (SDG 11, 12). These strongly rely on robust fundamental concepts and knowledge about mineral resources. In this way, UC will promote research in furthering advances about ore-forming systems and mineral resources, particularly those related to the concentration of i) Fe-Ti-V oxides; and ii) Ni-Cu (PGE) sulphides. Fe, Ti, and V are of crucial significance in various industries, including steelmaking and renewable energy. PGEs, on the other hand, are used in the electronics, automotive, and chemical industries. Understanding the formation and their distribution is essential for locating economically viable deposits. One example can be found in Portugal, the Beja Layered Gabbroic Sequence, which is the ideal case-study to understand oxide and sulphide formation and ore forming processes in layered intrusions emplaced in orogenic environments, a source for Fe, Ti, and V. The candidate will be able to expand and explore other relevant sites, that may include the Aguablanca mine (Spain), known for Ni-Cu (PGE) hosted by the Aguablanca Ultramafic Massif, and others. Fluxes of metals and sulphur between the oceanic crust and the overlying water column condition the ocean crust, the deep ocean, and sedimentary reservoirs geochemistries. Magmatic fluids and melts originating from the mantle or lower oceanic crust can infiltrate the overlying oceanic crust, triggering reactions, facilitating the transport of metals and sulphur. Characterising these interactions and sulphur sources are key to better understand its controlling mechanisms and factors. Thus, the candidate should be able to develop research related to these processes. This may result in the candidate´s engagement with, and potentially leading, significant IODP/ICDP drilling initiatives. It is expected the ability to liaison with potential interested stakeholders (e.g., industry, policy makers, other research institutions) to maximise outputs.The tasks to be assigned to the new employee are grouped into three packages, i) Research, ii) Teaching and University Management, and iii) Science for Society:i) carry out scientific research, and be active in acquisition of external research funding; keep a strong record of original research within the fields of mineral resources, petrology and geochemistry; carry out fieldwork in prospective areas, collecting suitable samples for further petrographic and geochemical analyses; contribute to the establishment of new analytical protocols at the HI; strengthen scientific collaboration networks with international teams focused on the study of ultramafic and mafic complexes (e.g. Instituto Geologico y Minero de España); coordinate or participate in scientific congresses and projects in competitive programs; develop editorial and evaluation activities in scientific journals, peer review activities (programs, projects, grants, awards, committees).ii) instruct courses in metallogeny and opaque petrography to BSc and MSc students; increase pedagogical innovation through promotion of new pedagogical initiatives (e.g. creation and/or reformulation of curricular units); reinforce laboratory infrastructures; supervise doctoral, master´s and undergraduate students and seek funding programs to attract students; provide guest lectures at scientific meetings or at other universities; participation in collective panels to assess applications for scientific programs, academic exam juries, competition juries, among others; participate in collective bodies (e.g. Scientific Council, Pedagogical Council); provide services within the scope of CGEO and DCT, such as consultancy for mining projects; carry out other regular activities as a faculty member.iii) participate as a member of scientific societies; participate in and coordinate initiatives to disseminate science and technology to the pre-university education system, the media, the public, associations, and outreach organisations; and participate in activities related to the university representation and knowledge transfer to society.