Carissimi Associati SGI,
Carissimi Soci Società Associate,
su indicazione della Dott.ssa Barbara Marchesini (Sapienza Università di Roma), vi segnaliamo l'opportunità di una posizione di dottorato (PhD Candidate at Department of Geosciences - IV-20/26, Ref. 298111) presso la Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Norvegia), nell'ambito della petrologia dei sistemi alcalino-carbonatitici.
Per ulteriori dettagli sul progetto di ricerca si rimanda al testo in inglese riportato di seguito.
Per candidarsi: https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/298111/phd-candidate-at-department-of-geosciences-iv-20-26
Scadenza per la candidatura: 4 maggio 2026
Per maggiori informazioni contattare il Prof. Bjørn Eske Sørensen (bjorn.sorensen@ntnu.no).
Cordiali saluti,
La Segreteria SGI
Project description:
The Fen alkaline and carbonatite complex and associated REE and Nb mineralizations, represents a unique geological and economic resource. Ongoing geological studies aim to elucidate the formation processes and distribution of these valuable metals, contributing to a greater understanding of the complex interplay between magmatic-hydrothermal activity and mineral resource formation. As demand for REEs and niobium continues to rise, the Fen Complex stands as a vital area for both scientific research and economic exploration. The general evolution of the complex is known to a certain extent with a general evolution from calcite-carbonatite trough dolomite carbonatite to Fe-dolomite carbonatite, however the distribution of rocks is complex due to low viscosity along with high volatile content of the melt, resulting in brecciation and remobilization of economic elements. The alkali enigma is a common problem in most carbonatite systems. Though carbonatite plutons are surrounded by potassic and sodic alteration (fenitization zones), they rarely contain Na, and K bearing carbonate phases. This is in stark contrast to carbonatite volcanoes in the East African rift, where eruptive carbonatite lavas are rich in K and Na carbonates.
The project will include the following approaches:
- Study of mineral, melt and fluid inclusions related to textures and/or geochemical settings, using state-of-the-art Raman equipment (Invia Qontor), fluid inclusion microthermometry, and optical and electron microscopy
- Investigation of the relationship between REE and high field strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta), and the effect of mineralogy on whole-rock composition throughout the Fen complex using SEM-based automated mineralogy and electron microprobe analysis
- Trace element composition of minerals, including apatite, carbonates, and oxides
The candidate will be encouraged to further develop the project in dialogue with the NTNU research team.
The Fen alkaline and carbonatite complex and associated REE and Nb mineralizations, represents a unique geological and economic resource. Ongoing geological studies aim to elucidate the formation processes and distribution of these valuable metals, contributing to a greater understanding of the complex interplay between magmatic-hydrothermal activity and mineral resource formation. As demand for REEs and niobium continues to rise, the Fen Complex stands as a vital area for both scientific research and economic exploration. The general evolution of the complex is known to a certain extent with a general evolution from calcite-carbonatite trough dolomite carbonatite to Fe-dolomite carbonatite, however the distribution of rocks is complex due to low viscosity along with high volatile content of the melt, resulting in brecciation and remobilization of economic elements. The alkali enigma is a common problem in most carbonatite systems. Though carbonatite plutons are surrounded by potassic and sodic alteration (fenitization zones), they rarely contain Na, and K bearing carbonate phases. This is in stark contrast to carbonatite volcanoes in the East African rift, where eruptive carbonatite lavas are rich in K and Na carbonates.
The project will include the following approaches:
- Study of mineral, melt and fluid inclusions related to textures and/or geochemical settings, using state-of-the-art Raman equipment (Invia Qontor), fluid inclusion microthermometry, and optical and electron microscopy
- Investigation of the relationship between REE and high field strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta), and the effect of mineralogy on whole-rock composition throughout the Fen complex using SEM-based automated mineralogy and electron microprobe analysis
- Trace element composition of minerals, including apatite, carbonates, and oxides
The candidate will be encouraged to further develop the project in dialogue with the NTNU research team.