Research Scientist (Organic and hydrothermal processes in the formation of metal deposits)

At GTK, we aim to work for the Earth and for Us. We conduct objective research to find solutions to challenges posed by climate change, the energy transition, and the circular economy. Our 400 experts are specialists in the mineral economy, green energy, water management, the environment, and digital solutions. Together with our Finnish and global partners, we are building sustainable and carbon-neutral future. GTK is a research organization governed by the Finnish Ministry of Employment and the Economy. www.gtk.fi/en

Research Scientist (Organic and hydrothermal processes in the formation of metal deposits)

The Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) is looking for a doctoral candidate (Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellow) for mudstone metal enrichment studies. You will be working in the Mineral Economy Solutions unit of approximately 60 professionals. Your office will be in Espoo in the Helsinki capital area, and you can also work remotely flexibly in Finland.

The doctoral candidate (DC8) will study the significance of syngenetic organic-sulphidic compounds and secondary hydrothermal metal enrichment in three ca. 2 Ga divergent margin types in Finland. The study will include compound-specific analysis of organic matter and sulphide mineral-specific microanalyses of isotopes of S and metals (Fe, Cu, Zn), which will permit assessing the role of microbial activity, hydrothermal processes and continental weathering in the formation of the metallic mineral deposits.

The successful candidate will

• Conduct sedimentologic and petrographic characterization of drill core sections
• Carry out microanalyses of S and metal (Fe, Cu, Zn) isotopes in sulphide minerals using laser ablation ICP-MS and SIMS, and organic compound analyses
• Make a 1-month research visit to Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, and short visits to other FluxBEATS institutes and participate in doctoral training activities
• Publish research findings in scientific papers and international conferences

The position is related to the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action Doctoral Network FluxBEATS (https://www.fluxbeats.eu/).

Education, experience and skills expected of an applicant

• Master of Science degree in Geology, Geochemistry, or any related field. The applicant must not have a doctoral degree.
• Experience in sedimentologic and petrographic analysis of sedimentary rock drill cores
• Experience in microanalytical mineral analysis techniques
• English language proficiency, both oral and written
• Willingness to travel in Finland and abroad
• Driver’s license

Education, experience and skills that are appreciated

• Experience in organic geochemistry
• Knowledge on post-depositional hydrothermal fluid interaction
• Knowledge on aquatic sedimentary environments and (bio)geochemistry
• Knowledge on microbial isotope fractionation
• Demonstrated ability to write scientific publications
• Strong international networking skills
• Experience in international work settings
• Interest in learning Finnish language

Personal qualities desired from the applicant

You are an adaptable team player and self-initiated and independent in your work. You want to constantly learn new things. You are innovative and development oriented.

What we offer

GTK is an international and diverse work community where everyone’s input is valued. Our employees have the opportunity to influence their own work and work remotely in Finland. At GTK we are committed to renew our operations and expertise. We take care of our employees’ wellbeing with our wide range of activities that support wellbeing at work. In addition, we offer central government holiday benefits and a modern and multi-location work, such as flexible working hours. Find out more about us: www.gtk.fi/en/careers-at-gtk/

Information about pay

Salary will be EUR 3000-3500 per month, following MSCA practices. Persons moving to Finland are eligible to an additional mobility allowance of 400-500 EUR per month. Persons with family obligations through marriage, a relationship equivalent to a marriage, or dependent children may be eligible to an additional family allowance of EUR 500-600 per month.

Other details

The position is fixed term. The starting date is 1.5.2025 or by agreement. The term is for 36 months (ending by 31.10.2028). The position includes a probationary period.

The applicant must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Finland for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date.

For further information on the project and working at the GTK, please contact your future scientific supervisor Dr. Joonas Virtasalo, tel. +358295032261 reachable on 16.1.2025 at 13-15 (EET) and 21.1.2025 at 13-15 (EET), or your future supervisor Timo Ahtola, tel. +358295032567 reachable on 17.1.2025 at 13-15 (EET).

We consciously advance the diversity and equality of our staff, so we encourage many kinds of people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions. Our work community is made up of more than 20 different nationalities, which is one example of our diversity.

Please send your application and a PDF file with the below forms combined, in English through the valtiolle.fi-service latest on 31.1.2025 at 16:15 EET using service key 9117.

The following documents in English using templates from the FluxBEATS website (https://www.fluxbeats.eu/positions.html) must be enclosed with applications:

1. Application form;
2. Curriculum Vitae;
3. Eligibility and mobility declaration;
4. Motivation letter outlining applicants research experience, interests, motivation, and personal assessment of suitability for a given position;
5. Reference contact information

The application templates on the FluxBEATS website must be carefully filled out and combined into a single PDF file that is attached to the application.

The interviews are scheduled to take place February/March 2025.

Security clearance

We may conduct a personal background check on the person selected for the job with the person’s consent (security clearance act 726/2014). For more information about the security clearance process and the rights of subjects of background checks, please visit www.supo.fi/en

Please note that names of the applicants and the applications with attachments are public.

 

 

Apply for the position