College of Science and Engineering -
SUERC
School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
Ph.D. Scholarship
Preservation and detection of molecular signatures of
life under Mars analogue conditions.
Dr Vernon R. Phoenix1*, Dr Jaime Toney1 and Dr Chris Quince2
1School of Geographical and Earth Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
2School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, UK
*Contact: vernon.phoenix@glasgow.ac.uk
The search for organic molecules on Mars is key to our search for signs of life there. This project seeks to answer key questions regarding the occurrence and preservation of organic molecules on the Martian surface. During this project we will use the Andes mountains in Chile as a unique Mars analogue. This location is chosen as it allows us to examine how extreme thermal fluctuations, liquid water instability and solar irradiance, common to both the Martian surface and our Earth analogue, impact occurrence and preservation of organic molecules. We will seek to address how soil depth and altitude dependent variations in these extreme conditions effect the preservation of organic molecules indicative of life. The project will involve collection of soil samples from the Chilean Andes which will then be analysed by a range of state-of-the-art laboratory techniques, including GC/MS, Raman spectroscopy and next generation sequencing of genomic material.
This project would suit someone with a background in Earth Science, Biology or Chemistry (or related subjects). The student will be based with Drs Phoenix and Toney in the School of Geographical and Earth Sciences, and will be co-supervised by Dr Quince (School of Engineering). This project is part of a larger space science research programme being undertaken by the University of Glasgow, together with UK and international partners.
Funding Notes
This project has 3.5 years of funding through the UK Space Agency, and the studentship will be awarded by competitive interview. Funding is available only to UK and EU nationals and the closing date is 2 September 2013. For application information, contact the supervisors or apply via the website of the Glasgow University College of Science and Engineering (http://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/scienceengineering/graduateschool/prospectivestudents/).
The University is committed to equality of opportunity in employment.
The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401.
