The Chair of Resource Mineralogy, MontanuniversitaetLeoben invites applications for a fully funded three-years PhD position. The candidate will do a PhD project on "Developing a new genetic and exploration model for the Felbertal tungsten deposit" within a Bridge project financed by The Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG). The project is in close cooperation with Wolfram Bergbau- und Hütten AG, who operates this mine.

Felbertal tungsten deposit is one of the biggest tungsten mines in the word. In the pastcontrasting genetic models have been proposed to explain formation of this ore deposit. The central hypothesis to be tested in this project is that formation of the whole deposit is genetically related withspecialisedVariscangranites (K1 orthogneiss).The project includes a detailed study of the K1 orthogneiss and associated tungsten mineralisation and of similar metagranitoids in the central Tauern area of the Eastern Alps. Application of modern mineralogical and isotope geochemical methods will be an essential part of the project and include in-situ U-Pb dating and Lu-Hf analyses. A genetic model that is based on precise age and chemical data should provide the basis for defining criteria (e.g., proximity indicators)that can be applied in future explorationfor this type of tungsten deposit.

Applicants must hold an MSc or equivalent degree in geosciences or related disciplines. Proficiency in written and spoken English is indispensable. Experience in geochemistry would be advantageous.

Salary will be according to the FFG scheme.

Further information about the Chair of Resource Mineralogy at MontanuniversitaetLeoben can be obtained at http://www.unileoben.ac.at. Requests should be sent tojohann.raith@unileoben.ac.at.

Applications with CV, list of publications, a letter of motivation, and a list of two referees should be sent not later than 13 February 2011 to Univ.Prof. Dr. Johann Raith, LehrstuhlfürRohstoffmineralogie, Peter TunnerStraße 5, 8700 Leoben, Austria.

In accordance with gender equality policies of MontanuniversitaetLeoben female applicants will receive preferential status if their qualifications are equal to those of male applicants.