Postdoctoral Fellowship in Witwatersrand Basin gold mineralization: CIMERA

The Centre of Excellence in Integrated Mineral and Energy Resource Analysis (CIMERA) is a central hub for research in economic geology in Africa (https://cimera.co.za). It is hosted by the University of Johannesburg and co-hosted by the University of the Witwatersrand, in partnership with twelve South African and four international universities.

CIMERA offers one Postdoctoral Research Fellowship starting as soon as possible. The appointee will engage in full-time postdoctoral research on aspects of gold mineralization linked to carbonaceous matter in the Mesoarchaean Witwatersrand Basin of South Africa. Research will involve detailed mineralogical characterization of mineralized horizons, trace element and isotope geochemistry of carbonaceous matter and geochronology. The fellowship consists of a minimum tax-free stipend of ZAR 231 000 per annum. The stipend is renewable for a second year subject to satisfactory progress.

The postdoctoral fellow will be based at the Department of Geology at the University of Johannesburg. Current focus areas at the department include Precambrian mineral deposits, geometallurgy, palaeomagnetism, and early Precambrian environments and geobiology. In-house analytical facilities include XRF, XRD, SEM, MLA, EPMA, MC-LA-ICP-MS, noble gas MS, Raman spectroscopy, and a palaeomagnetic lab. The postdoctoral fellow will become part of a larger team of CIMERA researchers focusing on Early and Deep Earth Metallogenesis and Processes.

We encourage applications from candidates who have an interest in Archaean geology and the economic geology of sediment-hosted ore deposits. Eligible candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Geosciences with a background in the study of sedimentary successions, the petrology and geochemistry of sedimentary rocks and a good publication record.

Applicants are required to submit a covering letter highlighting their experience and research interests and a detailed CV, including the name and e-mail address of three referees, to Axel Hofmann (ahofmann@uj.ac.za) on or before 15 March 2023. Also get in touch if you need any additional information on fellowship conditions and the research project.