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Thursday, November 1, 2012

PhD Research Opportunities - The School of Earth, Environmental and Biological

PhD Research Opportunities - The School of Earth,
Environmental and Biological Sciences



The School of Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences (EEBS), Science and Engineering Faculty (SEF) at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane, Australia is seeking highly motivated students with strong field-based research interests to be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary research program.
PhD opportunities are available in the following areas:
1. Volcanology, igneous petrology & geochronology of Miocene Volcanism related to the opening of the Gulf of California
Investigating the Early-Mid Miocene igneous record of the Gulf of California (Mexico). The Gulf of California is a young example of a continental rift developed close to an active continental margin. Most continental-scale rifts that proceed to sea floor spreading develop in association with large volume igneous activity, however, the role of magmatism and the igneous record are commonly overlooked in understanding rift evolution. It has been widely presumed that Gulf of California rift developed rapidly beginning ~12 Ma, but new studies are challenging these previous models and suggesting a much earlier history to rifting and volcanism. Importantly, volcanism across the region may provide important records on the timing of the switch from wide to narrow rift modes. This PhD project will reinvestigate the mid-Miocene igneous record around the Gulf of California, but principally in Baja California to test this new conceptual model. The Project will involve field studies (stratigraphy, physical volcanology) and sampling for analytical research (petrology, whole-rock geochemistry, geochronology) to understand the origin, timing and evolution of magmas during this apparent switch in rift modes.
We are looking for a student with previous experience in field mapping, volcanology, igneous petrology and/or geochronology. NB - an ability to speak Spanish is highly desirable
For further information, please contact: Dr Scott Bryan (scott.bryan@qut.edu.au)
2. Sedimentology and Sedimentary Provenance studies of intraplate orogenic-related sedimentation
Sedimentary rocks are a key recorder of tectonic events. This fundamental Australia-based research will take new approaches to establish a finely tuned record of orogenic processes deforming the continental interior and how sediment loading from this mountain building event may have affected extension and magmatism at the continental margin. This project will examine the Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous (~380-320 Ma) continental sedimentary record across central and eastern Australia as this time slice records widespread rift basin development in northeastern Australia, intraplate orogenic events in central Australia (Alice Springs Orogeny), the progradation of a major sheet of cratonic-derived quartz-rich sand spreading outwards across Australia, and the initiation of Late Paleozoic glaciation. Mutliple dating techniques applied to the detrital minerals will be a key component of this project, revealing both the igneous and high-grade metamorphic history (from U/Pb zircon and rutile ages), and the recent tectonic and exhumation history (using lower temperature thermochronometers) of the source region. These new data will provide new insights into the relationship and timing of sedimentation and deformation. We are looking for a student with previous experience in field mapping, stratigraphy/sedimentology, sedimentary petrology and/or geochronology.
For further information, please contact: Dr Scott Bryan (scott.bryan@qut.edu.au)
3. Formation, preservation and environmental significance of magnetic Fe pisoliths
Iron nodules (pisoliths) are a common feature of many soils and weathering pro?les in the tropics and subtropics of Australia and around the world. Magnetic and non-magnetic soil Fe nodules commonly occur together in the same soils, where the magnetic nodules are distinguished by their high maghemite and hematite content. Previous research suggests that magnetic nodules form by intense heating of non-magnetic Fe nodules in topsoils during high-intensity bushfires. However magnetic nodules commonly occur deep within the soil or weathering profile, leading some authors dismiss thermal transformation of other Fe oxides. Alternative explanations which have been proposed include slow oxidation of ferrous solutions or formation via ferrihydrite in the presence of high concentrations of P, citrate or other organic ligands. This project will undertake a detailed geochemical, mineralogical and morphological comparison of magnetic and non-magnetic nodules in order to determine the mode of formation of magnetic Fe nodules in various environmental settings.
We are looking for a student with previous experience in environmental chemistry / geochemistry
For further information, please contact: Dr David Murphy (david.murphy@qut.edu.au)
4. The role of stored energy in rock deformation up to large strain and rotation
The project investigates the impact of stored energy on the deformation of rocks up to large strains and rotations. The successful candidate will employ numerical and physical modelling to examine the energy budget and mechanics of two-phase deformation (inclusions in a matrix) to large strains and rotations. She/he will explore the relevance of stored energy for fault formation and rock rheology.
We are looking for student with previous experience in at least one of these fields - structural geology, geomechanics, computational modelling, mechanical engineering, and analogue modelling
For further information, please contact: Dr Christoph Schrank (christoph.schrank@qut.edu.au)
5. Investigate diagenetic processes and histories of the Holocene reef and upper Pleistocene material
The project will recover cores through the Holocene reef sequence (0-10 ka) in two reefs (Heron and One Tree) in the southern Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and reconstruct reef growth (i.e. geomorphological development), sea level and palaeoclimate histories. The applicant will participate in both phases of the coring campaigns in the southern Great Barrier Reef, and work closely with the other national and international partners in the project We are looking for a student with previous experience in carbonate sedimentology, coral reef biology, geochemistry and geology.
For further information, please contact: Dr Luke Nothdurft (l.nothdurft@qut.edu.au)
6. Searching for pre 3.7Ga greenstone domains within the East Pilbara Craton
Study of Eoarchean terranes (4.0 Ga-3.6 Ga) has provided invaluable information on the early Earth including; the requirement for early formed proto crust and complementary depleted mantle. Nevertheless, all presently recognised localities that contain lithologies older than ~3.6 Ga have been subjected to at least amphibolites facies metamorphism. Geochemical evidence indicates that it is highly likely that pre 3.7 Ga crust is present in the Pilbara, but as of yet none have been definitively recognised. Furthermore, the Pilbara Craton contains abundant basaltic sequences that have been subjected to no more than lower greenschist facies metamorphism.
This proposal seeks to acquire samples from localities identified to have potential of pre 3.7 Ga rocks for geochemical characterisation and dating.
We are looking for a student with previous experience in igneous or metamorphic geology
For further information, please contact: Dr David Murphy (david.murphy@qut.edu.au)
Selection Criteria for a suitable candidate include:
  • a MSc degree in Earth Systems (or equivalent); or a relevant First Class or Second Class Division A Honours degree; or a Professional Doctorate from a recognised institution with a grade point average of at least 5.0 on a 7 point scale
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Research and Field experience - such as publications
  • A full driver's licence and the ability to do field work in remote locations
  • Sufficient command of English to complete the proposed course of study
The annual scholarship round is now open, with applications closing October 12, 2012.
Information on PhD scholarships available and how to apply can be found at:
http://www.qut.edu.au/research/scholarships-and-funding/research-scholarships
Queensland University of Technology has one of Australia's fastest growing research profiles, and aims to become research-intensive in selected areas of strength and priority. QUT's focus is to undertake high-impact research that is both of the highest academic quality and also aimed at making a real and practical difference to the world around us.

The way to AMINEF in Gedung Balai Pustaka

American Indonesian Exchange Foundation
Balai Pustaka Building, 6th. Floor
Jl. Gunung Sahari Raya No. 4
Jakarta 10720, Indonesia

1. The buses which goes to Senen Bus Station all of them pass through Gedung Balai Pustaka. Especially which route is through Pasar Baru .

2. Bus Transjakarta, from Blok M you have to change the bus 2-3 times.
Way 1 : from Blok M change the bus in Dukuh Atas bus stop to the bus towards Pulogadung, then take a bus in Pramuka bus stop towards Ancol, this bus pass through Gedung Balai Pustaka. The closest bus stop (Budi Utomo) is about 800 meters from Gedung Balai .
Way 2 : From Blok M take the bus in the Harmoni Bus Stop, the bus towards Pulogadung, get down in Senen Bus Stop and walk about 800 meters, or from this bus stop take the bus towards Ancol and get down as mentioned in way 1. About the distance, this two bus stops is about the same. (It is better if you take ojek or bajaj from this bus stop to Gedung Balai Pustaka)

3. If you take taxi with old tariff (TL=Tarif Lama) from blok M with no traffic jam is about Rp. 30.000,00.

4. From Blok M use bus Patas AC 76. Gedung Balai Pustaka is in the right side, after you pass through Depag, and say to conductor "Balai Pustaka"

5. Use a busway from Blok M towards Kota, get down in Sawah Besar bus stop. From here take a Mikrolet M12 towards Senen. After cross road Wahidin and before senen get down and cross the street.

Living Cost in Germany

Living Cost in Germany is vary from city to city, but this is th case if you stay in Aachen, Germany
Student accommodation or private sharing : 180 - 230 euros per month
Food : 10 - 12 euros per day (if eating outside)
Transport for students : free within Aachen and until Koln and Dusseldorf in regional trains)

Living Cost In Austria

Living Cost in Austria is depending on the city, for example the Capital of Austria, Vienna:
- Dormitory is about 250-400 euro per month.
- Living Cost 200-400 euro per month.
- Transportation 128 euro per 4 months (student and age < 26), or 49 euro per month (ordinary)

For visa, it has to be a letter from the University/Scholl in Austria. It takes about 2-3 months.

Where to do GMAT Test

GMAT Tests are held in Jakarta, Indonesia :
1. EEC Slipi +62-21 5320044 or +62-215323176
2. Kaplan GMAT Preparation +62-81388908450, +62-21 5211588, +62-215211701 (Information abaout this test can be asked in that number)
3. Or this number +62-213159225

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