Contract Type: Research – Full time
Project Title:
Geochemical, mineralogical, and petrographic studies of Allochthonous units in Norhteastern Oman: Implications of the carbon sequestration.
Project Description:
The project investigates the geochemical, mineralogical, petrographic, and field characteristics of allochthonous geological units in northeastern Oman, with particular emphasis on the Samail Ophiolite and associated units. The research aims to characterize different rock types, their alteration and mineralization processes, and their potential for natural and enhanced carbon sequestration.
The project integrates geological fieldwork, sampling, petrography, mineralogical and geochemical analyses, and spatial data interpretation. Particular attention is given to ultramafic and mafic rocks, including serpentinites, peridotites, gabbros, dolerites, and basalts, as well as secondary carbonate mineralization associated with alteration and carbonation processes. The Research Assistant (RA) will support the Principal Investigator in field, laboratory, analytical, and academic activities related to the project.
The Research Assistant (RA) will support the Principal Investigator in field, laboratory, analytical, and academic activities related to the project.
RA Duties and Responsibilities:
- Literature Review
- Conduct comprehensive literature reviews related to the geology of Oman, particularly the Samail Ophiolite and associated allochthonous units.
- Review scientific literature on ultramafic and mafic rocks, serpentinization, alteration, mineral carbonation, and geological carbon sequestration.
- Compile and organize relevant scientific articles, geological maps, reports, theses, and existing geochemical and mineralogical datasets.
- Summarize key findings from previous studies and identify relevant research gaps.
- Support the preparation of literature-based sections for project reports, presentations, conference contributions, and scientific publications.
2. Fieldwork
- Participate in geological field campaigns in selected areas of northeastern Oman.
- Assist with geological mapping, field observations, and characterization of lithological units.
- Collect representative rock, mineral, and carbonate samples.
- Record sample locations using GPS and maintain accurate field documentation.
- Document lithologies, geological structures, alteration, mineralization, veins, and carbonate occurrences.
- Organize, label, catalogue, and maintain collected samples.
3. Data processing and analysis
- Compile and organize geological, mineralogical, petrographic, and geochemical datasets.
- Process field observations, GPS coordinates, analytical results, and sample information.
- Assist with interpretation of major- and trace-element geochemical data.
- Integrate petrographic, mineralogical, and geochemical results.
- Perform basic statistical analysis and quality control of project datasets.
- Maintain organized and updated project databases.
4. Data visualization and modelling
- Prepare geological and sampling-location maps using GIS software.
- Produce geochemical diagrams, graphs, geological cross-sections, and scientific figures.
- Assist with spatial analysis and integration of geological and analytical datasets.
- Contribute to conceptual models related to alteration, serpentinization, carbonation, and carbon sequestration.
- Prepare publication-quality figures for reports, presentations, posters, and scientific manuscripts.
5. Academic and technical support
- Assist the Principal Investigator with preparation of technical and scientific reports.
- Support the preparation of presentations, posters, manuscripts, and other project outputs.
- Assist with documentation and organization of project activities and research results.
- Provide technical support to students participating in project-related research activities.
- Participate in project meetings and scientific discussions.
6. Laboratory work and equipment handling
- Assist with rock and mineral sample preparation for petrographic, mineralogical, and geochemical analyses.
- Support cutting, grinding, polishing, and thin-section preparation where required.
- Conduct or assist with petrographic examination using optical microscopes.
- Assist with XRF, XRD, and other available analytical equipment where applicable.
- Prepare and organize samples for internal and external laboratory analyses.
- Follow laboratory safety procedures and established analytical protocols.
- Maintain laboratory equipment, consumables, sample records, and analytical documentation.
7. Duration: 3 Months
The Research Assistant position will be for a period of three (3) months. The RA will work under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and contribute to the field, laboratory, analytical, literature review, data interpretation, and scientific reporting activities of the project.
Qualification: Bachelor’s in Applied Geoscience
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