Two Fully funded PhD Opportunities - Detrital geochronology and isotope geochemistry
Application deadline: 11 April 2026
Start date: Flexible until November 2026
Funding: Tax‐free PhD stipend plus project funds, with tuition fees waived.
Project Overview: Unlocking the detrital archive
Adelaide University (Continental Evolution Research Group) and Curtin University (Timescales of Mineral Systems Group) invite applications for two PhD research positions on detrital geochronology. The PhD projects form part of a broader ARC Discovery‐funded research project, providing a strong scientific framework and access to established collaborations, while allowing scope for the successful candidates to develop their own research direction. The successful candidates will receive close supervision and mentoring within internationally recognised research groups and will have access to state‐of‐the‐art equipment, working with researchers that developed in situ geochronology techniques.
The Adelaide project will focus on detrital sediments in offshore basins and their ability to reconstruct geological history. Target areas include the Antarctic margin and the Himalayas. The primary aim is to test which minerals and which (combination of) geochronological methods can fingerprint tectonic history in areas that are difficult to access directly.
The Curtin project will focus on advancing our understanding of how detrital minerals in regolith record the geological history of inaccessible bedrock beneath cover. The proposed initial focus of the PhD project is the Yilgarn Craton, one of the oldest and most mineral‐rich crustal blocks on Earth. The overarching aim of this project is to evaluate how novel isotopic tools applied to regolith minerals can be used to trace primary crustal architecture beneath cover, and how these signals may provide vectors to mineralisation.
What We Offer
* Access to world‐class analytical facilities at Adelaide Microscopy and Curtin University, including advanced mass spectrometry laboratories.
* Integration into highly productive and collaborative research groups, offering dynamic and supportive research environments.
* Opportunities for limited fieldwork across diverse geological terranes.
* Opportunities for academic visits and conference attendance.
* Competitive scholarship funding (stipend plus project support).
Candidate Requirements
* Honours or Master's degree in Geology, Earth Sciences, or a related field.
* Strong interest in geochemistry, geochronology, and mineral systems.
* Previous experience with fieldwork, petrology, or isotopic analysis is desirable.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
About us
Both the Department of Earth Sciences at Adelaide University and the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Curtin University consolidate geology, state‐of‐the‐art analytical techniques, geophysics and more to provide world‐class training for geoscientific and geospatial careers. We undertake fundamental and applied research into the past, present and future of our planet and solar system and both institutions were 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 the analytical facilities available in‐house, visit:
* A cover letter outlining your background and motivation.
* A CV with academic transcript.
* You may indicate your project preference in your cover letter.
Successful candidates for the next selection round will be advised.
Applications should be directed to:
IMPORTANT: Email subject line should be \"PhD application + Last name\"
Please mention EARTHWORKS when responding to this advertisement.
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