This post complements our Masters Programme(s) in Exploration and Economic Geology, one of only a few such programmes worldwide. The Fellowship, designed to strengthen the research cooperation between Rhodes University and the minerals industry, is funded by an endowment donated by Xstrata Minerals.

The successful candidate is required to have:

· A Ph.D. (or equivalent) qualification and expertise in one or more of the following: igneous mineralogy/petrology, magmatic Cu-Ni-PGE deposits, radiogenic isotope geochemistry (Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd and Re-Os) and mineral exploration in magmatic terrains,

· Experience in the use of GIS software (particularly ArcGIS),

· Appropriate publication record in peer reviewed SCI journals,

· Good oral and written communication skills in English

· The ability to work as part of a team

· Previous industry experience is an advantage

· Less than 5 years since obtaining their Ph.D. strongly preferred*

(* see website for more information)
http://www.ru.ac.za/geology/

The incumbent will be involved in some teaching activities within the MSc programme and assistance during the related field trips. The envisioned research emphasis would involve or include ore deposits of the Bushveld Complex, South Africa, and similar deposit types elsewhere. Some research and travel funding is also provided by the Fellowship, which would be supplemented by additional project-specific externally-derived support.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will be appointed initially for one year, with the possibility of renewals for another 2 or more years, depending on satisfactory progress. The position is well-remunerated by national standards, and includes the cover of relocation costs and medical aid.

For more information, please contact either Prof. Yong Yao ([email protected], Director of Exploration Geology), Dr. Steve Prevec ([email protected], HOD) or Dr. Steffen Büttner ([email protected], Acting HOD). To apply, please send your full CV, names and addresses of 2 independent references, and a letter of motivation to Ms. Ashley Goddard at [email protected] on or before the application deadline.

Consideration of applications will begin from 31st October 2011.