Skip to main content

Geochemistry

PGR-RA-119

Expertise of research area
Earth history; environmental chemistry; materials chemistry; metal-organic frameworks; minerals; oxidation; palaeobiology; pollution; supramolecular chemistry


<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

We have the capacity to supervise a wide range of projects involving biogeochemical processes in experimental systems, modern environments and throughout Earth's history. Our expertise covers the full range of spatial scales from the interactions of ions with mineral surfaces, through to the global cycling of important elements.

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Full description</h2>

<p>We have well-equipped labs and extensive experience of lab, field and geochemical modelling. which we apply to these broad areas:</p> <ul> <li>How minerals interact with, and control, the chemistry of Earth surface environments.</li> <li>Processes in Earth’s critical zone, the region that supports human agriculture and most life-sustaining resources.</li> <li>The cycling of elements in modern marine and terrestrial environments to explore modern biogeochemical cycles, use them as ancient Earth analogues, or to predict the behaviour of important contaminants.</li> <li>The evolution of Earth’s surface environment, with a particular focus on how this interacts with major evolutionary events such as the rise of multicellular life, or mass extinctions.</li> </ul> <p>Candidates will benefit from our excellent facilities, our collegiate and supportive research culture and our wide collaborative network.</p> <p>Areas of particular expertise include:</p> <ul> <li>records and causes of past sea-level change</li> <li>macroevolutionary and macroecological processes in deep time</li> <li>ice sheet modelling</li> <li>climate modelling</li> <li>geochemical box modelling</li> <li>ocean circulation through time</li> <li>chemosynthetic communities</li> <li>numerical palaeontology</li> <li>evolution of ocean and atmosphere chemistry</li> <li>carbonate based element and stable isotope environmental proxies </li> <li>the cycles of phosphorus, iron, sulfur and carbon in modern and ancient environments</li> <li>sedimentary geochemistry</li> <li>mass extinctions</li> <li>proxies for ocean oxygenation</li> <li>organic geochemistry</li> </ul> <h5>Why do your PhD at Leeds?</h5> <p><strong>Study in an active research environment </strong><br /> Studying your PhD with us means you’ll be working in a professional research environment, using UK-leading facilities to bring your project to life – alongside active researchers who are at the forefront of their area. <br /> <strong>A strong network of support  </strong><br /> The Leeds Doctoral College connects our community of researchers and can offer you the guidance, services and opportunities you’ll need to get the most out of your PhD. <br /> <strong>Close industry links </strong><br /> Our partnerships and links to companies and academic institutions give you the opportunity to network at industry talks, seminars and conferences, building connections that'll benefit your next steps after you complete your PhD. <br /> <strong>Professional skills development  </strong><br /> We think of the whole picture at Leeds. That’s why we offer a range of workshops and courses that'll enhance your skillset further and transfer into your professional career. <br /> <strong>Personal and wellbeing services </strong><br /> Mental health and wellbeing support are integral to who we are at Leeds and you’ll have access to the full range of services we offer to ensure you’re feeling your best – and reaching your potential in your studies. <br /> <strong>Join our global community </strong><br /> We welcome students, researchers, academics, partners and alumni from more than 140 countries, all over the world. This means, as a university, we’re bringing together different cultures and perspectives which helps strengthen our research – and societal impact.</p> <h3>Useful links and further reading:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/see-research-degrees">Research degrees within the School of Earth and Environment</a></li> <li><a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/earth-surface-science-institute/doc/cohen-research-group">Cohen Geochemistry</a></li> <li><a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/see-research-innovation">School of Earth and Environment, Research and Innovation</a></li> </ul> <h3>Leeds Doctoral College</h3> <p>Our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-leeds-doctoral-college">Doctoral College</a> supports you throughout your postgraduate research journey. It brings together all the support services and opportunities to enhance your research, your development, and your overall experience.</p>

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>.</p>

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

<p>For queries relating to your research proposal or subject area, please contact <a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/see/staff/1475/professor-caroline-peacock">Professor Caroline Peacock</a>.</p> <p>For general enquiries and details regarding the application process, please contact the Graduate School Office:<br /> e: <a href="mailto:env-pgr@leeds.ac.uk">env-pgr@leeds.ac.uk</a>, t: +44 (0)113 343 1314.</p>