New sources of strategic metals such as copper and zinc are required to facilitate the energy transition. Some of the highest value base metal resources are hosted by fine-grained siliciclastic (± carbonate) rocks. Many genetic models for these deposits suggest that ore stage sulfide minerals form via mineral replacement reactions, which requires the movement of low temperature (< 300 °C) fluids through fine-grained siliciclastic host rocks. The pore space in these units is complex, due to a combination of depositional and diagenetic processes. In sediment hosted mineral systems, we need to fully characterize pore scale mineralogical processes to understand how non-linear feedbacks result in mass fluxes that are capable of producing ore grade mineralization. In this project we will seek to simulate key processes with input data from field and lab-based projects on Zn and Cu deposits in Australia, Canada and Germany.

This project will be a joint initiative of GFZ’s Section 3.1 ”Inorganic and Isotope Geochemistry“ (Prof. Dr. S. Gleeson, Dr. Joe Magnall) and Section 3.4 “Fluid Systems Modelling”(Prof. Dr. Michael Kühn). It will contribute to the Helmholtz Association’s program oriented funding scheme under Topic 8 “Georesources for the Energy Transition and a High-Tech Society”.

Your responsibilities:

• Computing and quantifying the geochemical evolution of model scenarios and comparison to key sites as well as benchmarking with laboratory experiments
• To interact with other members of the Sections 3.1 and 3.4 and the Topic 8 community at group meetings, workshops and in other informal ways
• Presentation of results at scientific meetings
• Publishing high quality papers in peer-reviewed journals

Your qualifications:

• Master`s degree (or equivalent) and a PhD in Geochemistry, Physics, Chemistry, Applied Mathematics, Engineering or in Earth Sciences
• Experience with the application of geochemical reactions in computer simulations
• Knowledge of theoretical principles in the field of fluid systems modelling
• Programming skills in the context of process simulation e.g. in Python
• Overview of existing reactive transport or reactor technologies and technical processes
• Proven ability to work in a collaborative and multi-disciplinary environment
• Creativity and critical thinking skills and the ability to publish, as demonstrated by a record of original and innovative publications
• Capacity for international teamwork, and excellent communication skills
• Proficiency in spoken and written English