Curtin University

About Curtin

Curtin University is ranked among the top one percent of universities worldwide (ARWU 2023). Curtin is a vibrant and inclusive institution that values integrity, respect, courage, excellence, and impact. The Perth campus offers an outstanding working and living environment, including on-campus accommodation, a hotel, art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, and a wide range of food and retail options.

For more information about our university, please visit www.curtin.edu.au

Start date: Flexible

Project Overview

Innovative Isotope Geochemistry for Understanding Australia's Crust Through Time We invite applications for one fully funded PhD research position focused on advancing our understanding of the evolution of Australia's crust. The project will apply state-of-the-art in situ geochronology and isotope geochemistry (e.g. stable and radiogenic isotope analysis using SIMS and LA-ICP-MS) to date and characterise accessory minerals such as apatite and zircon in crustal igneous rocks.

Earth's continental crust hosts the vast majority of accessible mineral resources and exerts a first-order control on ore-deposit formation and mineralisation. Its evolution is intricately linked to the evolution of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Australia's highly endowed crust hosts some of the world's largest recoverable mineral resources and records over three billion years of crustal evolution. The overarching aim of this project is to develop a refined model of Australia's crustal evolution (including, for example, magma sources, crustal thickness, thermal evolution, and metamorphism) in order to better identify geological settings favourable for mineral resource formation. The project will adopt a multi-isotope approach (e.g. U-Pb, Sr, Ca, Lu-Hf, trace elements), combining established and emerging isotopic tools applied to accessory minerals (particularly apatite and zircon). Key questions include how these systems track crustal differentiation and evolution, how they relate to broader global processes, and how they can be applied to improve our understanding of mineral systems. This PhD project forms part of a broader ARC DECRA-funded research program ('Mining Earth's Memory - From Crustal Thickness to Mineral Prediction'), providing a wholistic research framework, collaboration networks, and instrumentation. At the same time, the project offers flexibility with scope for the candidate to shape the research direction.

A large, existing sample suite covering major crustal domains across Australia is already available. In addition, there will be opportunities to undertake fieldwork to sample additional geological regions for targeted case studies. The successful candidate will receive close supervision and mentoring within an internationally recognised research group.

What We Offer

• Access to world-class analytical facilities at Curtin University, with hands-on training in state-of-the-art techniques (e.g., SIMS, LA-ICP-MS)
• Integration into the Timescales of Mineral Systems Group, offering a dynamic, international, and supportive research environment
• Opportunities for fieldwork across diverse geological terranes in Australia
• Opportunities to present at national and international conferences
• Competitive scholarship funding (stipend plus project support): This scholarship includes a living stipend of $38440 p.a. pro rata indexed, based on full-time studies, for up to a maximum of 3.5 years. Tuition fees offset support is also available for a successful international candidate.

Candidate Requirements

• A Master's degree or Bachelor's degree with Honours in Geology, Earth Sciences, or a related field.
• Strong interest in geochemistry, geochronology, and/or crustal evolution
• Demonstrated motivation and ability to undertake independent research
• Excellent written and oral science communication skills
• Previous experience with geochemical analysis, geochronology, fieldwork, and petrology is desirable
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

About us

The School of Earth and Planetary Sciences consolidates geology, state-of-the-art analytical techniques, geophysics and more to provide world-class training for geoscientific and geospatial careers. The school undertakes fundamental and applied research into the past, present and future of our planet and solar system that has been recognised by the latest Excellence in Research for Australia assessment, where we received the highest possible ranking for our research in geology and geochemistry. With an impressive suite of facilities and expertise, and a range of funding from academic and industry sources, we undertake research projects all over the world in most fields of geoscience.

For more information on our school, please visit https://www.curtin.edu.au/about/learning-teaching/science-engineering/school-of-earth-and-planetary-sciences/

For more information about the research group, visit: https://research.curtin.edu.au/scieng/research/timescales-of-mineral-systems/

For more information on the analytical facilities available in-house, visit: https://jdlc.curtin.edu.au/instruments/

How to Apply

To express interest, please send:

• A cover letter outlining your background and motivation.
• A CV with academic transcript.
• Contact details for two referees.
• Ensure the email is formatted with email subject line 'DECRA PhD application', emails missing this may not be received.
• Successful candidates for interview will be notified via email.
• The position may remain open until filled.

Email subject line: DECRA PhD application

For more information, please contact Dr Janne Liebmann janne.liebmann@curtin.edu.au

Applications should be directed to: Dr Janne Liebmann janne.liebmann@curtin.edu.au