This is an outline of a three-year PhD scholarship made available by the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland.

Project description

The Nalunaq gold mine is currently the only producing mine in Greenland. The aim of the PhD project is to improve our understanding of the geological processes during the genesis of the gold mineralization at the deposit.

The project will focus on determining the footprint (structure, mineralogy, host rock, geochemistry, etc.) of the Nalunaq gold deposit in order to advance the recognition of critical characteristics for this type of mineralization in South Greenland and possibly elsewhere. The Nalunaq gold mine is a relatively small gold deposit (> 300 toz Au produced) hosted in the Palaeoproterozoic Ketilidian mobile belt, which is generally anomalous in Au. Previous investigations mainly focused on whole rock geochemistry, gold geochemistry and reconnaissance fluid inclusions, but no attempt has been made in understanding the structural controls on and the hydrothermal alteration systematics of the deposit. The PhD project is considered either to investigate in detail the structural setting, or to investigate the geochemistry and isotope geochemistry aimed at identifying fluid/gold source and precipitation mechanisms, both targeted at a local as well as regional predictive study.

This is a collaborative project involving the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), the Institute of Geoscience, Aarhus University and the Centre for Exploration Targeting at the University of Western Australia. A close partnership with AngelMining Plc. is also expected.

Qualifications

The candidate must hold a Masters Degree in geology or equivalent. We seek a highly self-motivated and creative geoscientist with a broad background in economic geology, structural geology, metamorphic petrology and geochemistry, who is interested in understanding ore forming processes and integrating fieldwork, working in a mine and analytical work. Experience with orogenic gold deposits, structural control of hydrothermal systems and in 3D software modeling (Gocad, Leapfrog, GeoModeller) is an advantage. We expect that the candidate will publish in international peer-reviewed journals, write a PhD Thesis within the project duration of three years. Good English skills are required, participation in teamwork and willingness to share data and views during project progress with colleagues also at the mine is important.

Department of Petrology and Economic Geology

The Department of Petrology and Economic Geology mostly works on projects in Greenland, but also has activities elsewhere, currently mainly in developing countries. The activities of the department include research on the igneous, metamorphic and structural evolution of crystalline complexes, geological mapping, and ore forming processes and mineral deposits in a variety of geological environments. One of GEUS' core activities is to assist the Greenlandic government in developing a sustainable mineral industry, by providing basic geological and geophysical data for Greenland, and by providing specific advice to government institutions and to the mineral exploration industry, about the geology of Greenland and about ore forming processes in a Greenlandic context.

The department has extensive collaboration with scientists from universities and research institutions in Denmark and abroad. GEUS is part of Geocenter Denmark (geocenter.dk/about_us_uk/uk-main.html).

We offer:

• A good, creative geo-scientific research environment
• Co-operation with many types of researchers and institutions
• Participation in international research projects and field activities
• Possibility of additional courses and training as required; personal development
• Flexible working conditions and good opportunities to influence your own work situation and job content
• Family-friendly work place, centrally located in Copenhagen
• Exercise centre with professional assistance located at the workplace

Salary and employment conditions

Terms of salary and appointment will be according to agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The appointment will mainly be on the basis of scientific merit.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Building is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The position is to be filled as soon as possible.

Terms of employment

It is a prerequisite for the appointment as a PhD fellow, that the person concerned can be enrolled in the PhD program at the Faculty of Science, Aarhus University or the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen.

Place of employment

The place of employment is the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), Ministry of Climate, Energy and Building, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Further information

Further information about the vacant positions can be obtained from the Head of Department, Karen Hanghøj, phone (+45) 3814 2222, email kha@geus.dk

Application

Formal applications marked "PhD Economic Geology 031-00082" must be submitted to GEUS no later than the 15. May 2012 at 12. a.m. (Danish time). Material received after this time will not be taken into account.

You can apply for the position by entering GEUS website (http://www.geus.dk/geuspage-uk.htm) under Jobs.

Applications should include a statement of research interests, a CV, a list of all publications and names and addresses of three references.

Application via email is preferred, alternatively you should sent the application to:

GEUS
Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland
Øster Voldgade 10
DK-1350 Copenhagen K
Denmark

The Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) is an international, independent research institution within the Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Building, and is part of Geocenter Denmark. GEUS also acts as consultant to public authorities and individuals within nature, climate, environment, energy and mineral resources. GEUS is responsible for the scientific exploration of the geology in Denmark and Greenland including shelf areas. GEUS maps, acquires and monitors data, informs the public about geological matters and is Denmark's and Greenland's geological data centre.