Curtin University

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Homepage: https://staffportal.curtin.edu.au/staff/profile/view/axel-schmitt-ed2f7775/

Project Background
Carbonatite intrusions and their hydrothermal systems are key sources of critical minerals, including rare earth elements. Despite their significance, fundamental questions remain about why carbonatite and silicate melts frequently coexist, and how they influence the transport and deposition of economically important metals.
The ARC Discovery Project “It’s About Time: Critical Minerals in Carbonatite Systems” aims to address these questions by investigating the temporal relationships between carbonatite and silicate melts, as well as their associated hydrothermal systems. Using state-of-the-art accessory mineral and noble gas dating techniques, the project will achieve unprecedented age resolution to better understand the environments in which carbonatites and their associated mineral deposits formed—both in Australia and globally.

Scholarship Details
The project focuses on two prominent carbonatite locations:
Laacher See Volcano (Germany) – a Quaternary site providing a modern example of a coevolving carbonatite–silicate system.
Mt. Weld (Western Australia) – one of the world’s oldest carbonatites, offering insights into Proterozoic magmatic processes and the stability of accessory minerals over geological timescales.
As a PhD candidate, you will conduct fieldwork at Mt. Weld in collaboration with industry partners and analyse mineral samples using the cutting-edge facilities at Curtin University’s John de Laeter Centre and School of Earth and Planetary Sciences—ranked #1 in Australia for Earth Sciences. You will join an expert research team including Dr. Luc Doucet, Dr. Denis Fougerouse, Prof. Fred Jourdan, and Prof. Axel Schmitt, who will provide supervision and training in advanced analytical techniques such as:
- Geochronology and isotopic studies using large-geometry ion microprobe and noble gas mass spectrometry
- Geochemical and mineralogical analysis using LA-ICP-MS, SEM, and automated mineralogy
- Microstructural investigations at atomic scales using ToF-SIMS, EBSD, Raman microscopy, cathodoluminescence imaging, and atom probe tomography

Scholarship Benefits:
- Stipend: AUD $37,500 per year (full-time, tax-free, indexed annually)
- Duration: Three years, subject to satisfactory progress reviewed at three key milestones
- Tuition Fee Offset: Full coverage for the scholarship duration
- International applications accepted: Welcome

Who Should Apply?
We are looking for highly motivated candidates with:
- Completed, or eligible for, a Bachelor’s degree with First or Upper Second Class Honours, a Master’s degree, or equivalent in Earth Sciences or a related field
- Strong academic background in igneous petrology, geochemistry, or mineralogy
- Hands-on experience with instrumental analysis and data interpretation, especially in assessing analytical uncertainties (desirable)
- Proficiency in English (both written and spoken).

How to Apply
For enquiries, please contact Prof. Axel Schmitt at axel.schmitt@curtin.edu.au.
To apply, email your application by 15 August 2025 to axel.schmitt@curtin.edu.au, including the following documents:
- A comprehensive CV, including academic achievements, research experience, relevant skills, and contact information for two academic references.
- A cover letter explaining your motivation and how your background aligns with the project
- A 1-page personalised research outline summarising your ideas for studying carbonatites and critical mineral enrichment
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) including a draft research proposal.