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- Tasks: Dive into sedimentary isotope geochemistry and explore ancient marine environments.
- Company: Join Northumbria University, a leader in innovative research and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full stipend, tuition coverage, and funding for international conferences.
- Why this job: Contribute to groundbreaking research with global impact while developing essential skills.
- Qualifications: Ideal for Earth sciences or environmental science students; training provided.
- Other info: Collaborate with top researchers across the UK, Germany, and Canada.
The predicted salary is between 20780 - 20780 £ per year.
PhD studentship in sedimentary isotope geochemistry
3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Direct message the job poster from Northumbria University
Assistant Professor (Vice-Chancellor\’s Fellow) at Northumbria University
Understanding how redox and hydrothermal conditions influenced ancient marine environments is essential for reconstructing environmental change and for explaining the formation of economically significant metal deposits. This PhD project will apply a multi-proxy geochemical approach—centred on vanadium, carbon, and nitrogen isotopes—to track redox evolution and hydrothermal influence in ancient sedimentary systems, with direct relevance to models of sedimentary-hosted ore deposit formation.
Volcanism and hydrothermal activity in the geological past profoundly affected the global ocean system through perturbations in global biogeochemical cycles. These typically manifest as oceanic anoxic events, episodes of rapid climate change, and even mass extinction events. The driving mechanisms include trace metal loading, enhanced nutrient delivery, and the resulting feedback cycles which impact primary productivity and oxygen demand. This project will explore these links by focusing on marine sedimentary records influenced by both redox dynamics and hydrothermal metal inputs.
Vanadium isotopes offer a novel and sensitive tool for tracking redox structure in ancient oceans. Their isotopic composition reflects redox cycling and interaction with hydrothermal fluids, making them ideal for assessing both oxygenation and hydrothermal metal fluxes. Carbon and nitrogen isotopes will complement this by reconstructing nutrient fluxes, primary productivity and organic carbon burial. Together, these proxies will ultimately be used to interpret the evolution of marine conditions and their role in shaping environments favourable to metal enrichment and ore formation.
The student will focus on sedimentary sequences from the Selywn Basin, Canada, that preserve evidence of both redox variability and hydrothermal influence, particularly those associated with enriched vanadium, zinc, or lead concentrations. These archives offer an opportunity to address questions at the intersection of paleoenvironmental change, ocean chemistry, and economic geology.
This project is part of the DFG-funded Priority ProgrammeSPP 2238 DOME(Dynamics of Ore-forming Environments), which supports interdisciplinary research into sedimentary ore-forming systems. The student will also be supervised by Dr Jack Longman (Northumbria University) and Dr Eva Stüeken (University of St Andrews) and part of an active international research network involving collaborators in the UK, Germany, and Canada.
The student will:
Characterise sediment samples using petrography, XRF, and ICP-MS.
Measure carbon and nitrogen isotopes at the University of St Andrews (U.K.) using IRMS, targeting bulk sediments and kerogen.
Isolate vanadium in clean lab conditions and conduct V isotope analyses at the Leibniz University Hannover (Germany) via MC-ICP-MS.
Combine redox and hydrothermal indicators (e.g. Fe speciation, trace metals, REEs) with isotope data.
Apply mass balance and biogeochemical box models to explore how redox and hydrothermal processes shaped biogeochemical cycles and ore-forming environments.
Training and development will include:
Advanced clean lab and geochemical analytical techniques
Stable and non-traditional isotope mass spectrometry
Sedimentological interpretation and fieldwork (where applicable)
Biogeochemical modelling and data integration
Scientific writing, publishing, and presentation skills
Funding is available for attendance at major international conferences (e.g., Goldschmidt, AGU, EGU), as well as DOME network meetings and collaborative research visits. The student will be encouraged to publish their findings and contribute to interdisciplinary synthesis across the programme.
The project is ideal for candidates with a background in Earth sciences, geochemistry, environmental science, or a related scientific field. Prior experience in laboratory geochemistry, sedimentology, or modelling is beneficial but not required—full training will be provided.
Academic Enquiries
This project is supervised by Dr Ashley N. Martin. For informal queries, please contact . For all other enquiries relating to eligibility or application process please use the email form below to contact Admissions.
Eligibility Requirements:
•Academic excellence i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities with preference for 1st class honours); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
•Applicants cannot apply if they are already a PhD holder or if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.
Applicants will need to be in the UK and fully enrolled before stipend payments can commence and be aware of the following additional costs that may be incurred, as these are not covered by the studentship.
·Immigration Health Surcharge
·If you need to apply for a Student Visa to enter the UK, please refer to It is important that you read this information carefully as it is your responsibility to ensure that you hold the correct funds required for your visa application, otherwise your visa may be refused.
·Costs associated with English Language requirements which may be required for students not having completed a first degree in English, will not be paid by the University.
For further details on how to apply see
In your application, please include a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words and the advert reference (e.g. NIHR/…).
Deadline for applications: 31st July 2025
Start date of course: 1 October 2025
Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our postgraduate research students.We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community.The University holds a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Leader, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme.We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers.
The studentship includes a full stipend at UKRI rates (for 2025/26 full-time study this is £20,780 per year) and full tuition fees (UK student rates).
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PhD studentship in sedimentary isotope geochemistry employer: Northumbria University
Contact Detail:
Northumbria University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD studentship in sedimentary isotope geochemistry
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the field of geochemistry and sedimentology. Attend relevant conferences or seminars where you can meet researchers and academics, including those from Northumbria University. This can help you gain insights into the project and potentially get a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest research and methodologies in isotope geochemistry, particularly focusing on vanadium, carbon, and nitrogen isotopes. Being well-versed in current trends will not only enhance your understanding but also demonstrate your commitment to the field during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with the DFG-funded Priority Programme SPP 2238 DOME online. Follow their updates and publications to understand the scope of the research and how your interests align with their goals. This knowledge can be a great conversation starter when you connect with faculty members.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your research ideas related to paleoenvironmental change and ocean chemistry. Having a clear vision of how you would approach the project can set you apart from other candidates and show your enthusiasm for contributing to the research team.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD studentship in sedimentary isotope geochemistry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Project: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the project's focus on sedimentary isotope geochemistry. Highlight your understanding of redox and hydrothermal conditions in your application.
Craft a Strong Research Proposal: Include a well-structured research proposal of approximately 1,000 words. Clearly outline your proposed methods, objectives, and how your background aligns with the project goals.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any relevant experience in Earth sciences, geochemistry, or environmental science. If you have prior laboratory or modelling experience, make sure to mention it, even if it's not required.
Follow Application Guidelines: Ensure you include the advert reference in your application and adhere to the submission guidelines. Double-check for any specific requirements mentioned in the job posting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northumbria University
✨Know Your Research Proposal Inside Out
Make sure you can discuss your research proposal in detail. Be prepared to explain your methodology, the significance of your study, and how it aligns with the project’s goals. This shows your passion and understanding of the subject matter.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Key Concepts
Brush up on sedimentary isotope geochemistry, redox processes, and hydrothermal systems. Understanding these concepts will help you answer technical questions confidently and demonstrate your expertise in the field.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask your interviewers about the project, the team, and the university's research environment. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Even if you lack direct experience, emphasise any related skills or coursework. Discuss any lab work, field studies, or modelling projects you've been involved in, as this will illustrate your readiness for the PhD journey.
