PRR Project

Summary

The University of Coimbra (UC) is seeking a candidate with proven experience as leading researcher in the field of high-temperature geochemistry, with a strong background in U-Pb geochronology and petrology. The desired scientific profile tackles more specifically expertise in accessory minerals petrochronology associated with metamorphic and detrital sedimentary rocks. Additional experience in the fields of experimental petrology will be valued. The candidate should have a strong analytical geochemistry background with a demonstrated capacity to operate different analytical instruments and show participation in relevant scientific networks. The candidate will be a valuable addition to the current staff, where expertise in complementary fields exists (e.g. igneous petrology; environmental geochemistry; sedimentology).UC is looking for an experienced candidate that applies petrogeochemical tools to solve global geodynamics questions. The secular evolution of the metamorphic rock record show that rocks subjected to very low geothermal gradients, typical of subduction zones and a hallmark of modern plate tectonics, are very scarce prior to 0.9 Ga. There are no records of such conditions for the first 2.5 Ga of Earth’s history nor during between 1.1 and 1.7 Ga. This has been taken as evidence that modern plate tectonics has only been consistently operating for the last 1 Ga. However, many metamorphic terranes have undergone complex and protracted histories, which have resulted in the overprinting of their primary metamorphic assemblages. Furthermore, the diagnostic metamorphic minerals used to track LT conditions (e.g. lawsonite, glaucophane) are easily replaced during retrogression. To overcome these limitations and evaluate the absence of low T/P metamorphic rocks throughout the geological record, new proxies are required. Several accessory minerals found in metamorphic rocks are useful petrochronometers, i.e, it is possible to determine their ages and link them to petrogenetic processes. Combining it with trace element geochemistry and mineral inclusion petrography allow to place stronger constraints into their P-T-t histories. Some of these minerals survive well erosion and can later be found in sedimentary basins. As detrital heavy minerals, they become time-capsules of the tectonometamorphic evolution of their source rocks. Thus, the ideal candidate should have expertise to tackle this scientific question and be experienced in this type of approach and evaluate the detrital sedimentary record looking for evidence of blueschist or low-temperature eclogite conditions through time. Ideally, the candidate should also be able to develop new proxies, which may include new discrimination diagrams applied to these minerals, but also providing new experimental constraints on their chemical behaviours. The purpose will be to assess their robustness and better characterise their limitations. The candidate can benefit from the HI and R&D international links with local teams across the globe that can provide field support sampling rocks at the most promising sites (i.e., NE America; Angola-Congo; Brazil; etc).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 the evolution of plate tectonics, 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 (e.g. geological surveys); develop editorial and peer-review activities in scientific journals.ii) instruct courses in geochemistry and petrology 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; 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.