University of Auckland, School of Environment

We are seeking a PhD applicant for a newly awarded Royal Society of New Zealand Marsden Fund project in the School of Environment, University of Auckland, NZ, investigating gallium associated with microbes in hot spring silica deposits (sinter) as a potential biosignature for early life and planetary exploration. The successful PhD applicant will conduct controlled microbial growth experiments in gallium-spiked solutions, examining the effects of temperature, fluid composition, and microbial species on Ga enrichment, as well as undertake synchrotron (micro-XRF, XANES, EXAFS) and isotopic analyses (MC-ICPMS) for comparison to natural hot spring materials. While the PhD is based at the University of Auckland, the student will be expected to work extensively with international collaborators in Japan (Okayama University at Misasa) and the U.S. (University of Minnesota at St. Paul). The preferred candidate will have an MSc in microbiology and some background in Geoscience, but we will also consider candidates with training in analytical chemistry, geochemistry, or related fields. The anticipated start date is March 2025. For more information contact Michael Rowe (michael.rowe@auckland.ac.nz) or Kathleen Campbell (ka.campbell@auckland.ac.nz).

To apply please send a cover letter and CV, including contact details for two references to Michael Rowe by December 7.