Chungnam National University

The successful candidate will join the research group of Prof. Jeong-Hyun Lee, an internationally active carbonate sedimentologist and paleontologist specializing in stromatolites, fossil microfabrics, biomineralization, and early diagenesis. The group conducts integrated petrographic and microstructural research using EBSD, EDS, and Raman with a strong emphasis on Paleozoic carbonate systems and fossil microproblematica. The position is based in Daejeon, Republic of Korea, within a dynamic academic environment and with access to modern analytical facilities.

Homepage: http://www.cnu.ac.kr/~jeonghyunlee/

Prof. Jeong-Hyun Lee invites applications for a fully funded 4-year PhD position focused on the application of Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) to fossil microproblematica, microbialites, and stromatolites. The project is ideal for students interested in carbonate microfabrics, biomineralization, and crystallographic signatures preserved in ancient calcifiers.

1. Research Focus

The PhD project will investigate:

- Crystallographic organization and microtextures in Paleozoic fossil microproblematica

- Microfabric development in stromatolites and microbialites

- Early diagenetic modification and recrystallization pathways revealed by EBSD, EDS, and Raman

- Comparative biomineralization among different carbonate-producing organisms

- The candidate will have substantial freedom to develop their own research directions within these themes.

2. Required Qualifications

- MSc degree in paleontology, carbonate sedimentology, stratigraphy, or related soft-rock fields

- Fluent English (spoken and written)

- High motivation to develop advanced analytical skills (EBSD, Raman, EDS)

3. Preferred but Not Required

- Prior experience with SEM-based methods or EBSD

- Background in carbonate microfacies, petrography, or early diagenesis

- Background in biomineralization or microbial carbonates

- Experience using Python, MATLAB, or image-processing software

- Field experience

4. What You Will Receive

- Guaranteed funding for 4 years (24–36 million KRW/year). Tuition support may be available depending on university policies and will be clarified during the application process.

- Full access to high-end EBSD, EDS, and Raman facilities

- Opportunities for collaboration with international partners

- Support for international presentations and fieldwork

- Direct supervision and mentoring from Prof. Jeong-Hyun Lee, in a highly research-active environment

Submit the following to jeonghyunlee@cnu.ac.kr:

- Cover letter (1–2 pages) describing motivation and research interests

- CV with publication list (if any)

- MSc thesis abstract or summary (If currently in the middle of your MSc program, provide a short summary of your ongoing thesis work instead)

- Contact information for two referees

- (Optional) A brief research idea related to fossil microfabrics or EBSD