Darren Mark

This PhD project at the University of Glasgow’s Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (SUERC) offers a unique opportunity to redefine the precision and accuracy of the Ar/Ar geochronology system, a cornerstone in Earth and planetary science. The Ar/Ar method is pivotal for constructing the geological timescale, dating volcanic eruptions, tectonic events, metamorphism, and planetary impacts. Despite its widespread use, the method’s absolute accuracy is limited by dependencies on the potassium decay constant and indirect calibration of neutron fluence monitors, leading to inherited uncertainties in all Ar/Ar ages. The project aims to develop a transformative anchored Ar/Ar framework, directly tying the system to independently dated reference materials rather than relying on decay constant normalisation. This approach will establish direct chronological anchors, enabling a fully self-consistent temporal framework that enhances both accuracy and transparency in geochronological measurements. Combining experimental geochronology with advanced quantitative modelling, the student will develop and test a generative calibration model integrating Ar/Ar measurements with anchor materials through a Bayesian metrological framework. This rigorous methodology will propagate uncertainties, quantify covariance between reference materials, and determine statistical conditions for deriving Ar/Ar ages independently of decay constant assumptions. Experimental validation will be conducted using geological standards and reference samples in SUERC’s world-leading argon geochronology laboratories. Once established, the anchored methodology will be applied to high-impact case studies, particularly improving the chronology of human evolution. Volcanic ash layers from key archaeological and palaeoanthropological sites across Africa, Asia, and Europe provide crucial time constraints on early human emergence and dispersal. Applying anchored Ar/Ar geochronology to these materials will refine the timing of critical evolutionary and archaeological events, demonstrating the framework’s ability to deliver robust, globally consistent age constraints and enhance the temporal resolution of geological and archaeological records. Applicants should have strong backgrounds in quantitative Earth science, physics, applied mathematics, or geochemistry, with analytical skills and coding proficiency (Python, R, or MATLAB). Interest in uncertainty analysis, data modelling, and experimental science is desirable. Prior experience in isotope geochemistry is not required, as full training will be provided. The project is open to applicants worldwide. The studentship provides full financial support, including academic tuition fees, a UKRI-aligned stipend for 42 months, and coverage of laboratory and research travel costs. The student will be based at SUERC in East Kilbride, joining a cohort of six PhD students in a focused mini-CDT dedicated to developing next-generation analytical technologies and advancing geochronology. This collaborative environment fosters scientific advances across complementary projects. To apply, visit the University of Glasgow College of Science and Engineering Graduate School application portal. Clearly state the project title, list the primary SUERC supervisor, and select SUERC as the host department. The studentship is expected to begin in September 2026. For further information, contact Professor Darren Mark at [email protected].

This PhD opportunity at the University of Glasgow invites an outstanding candidate to develop next-generation petrochronology methods using a triple-stream femtosecond laser ablation ICP-MS platform. The project integrates advanced laser ablation technology with three Thermo Fisher Scientific mass spectrometers, enabling simultaneous measurement of multiple isotopic and geochemical systems from the same microscopic domains in minerals. Petrochronology, which combines geochronology with trace element and isotopic information recorded in minerals, is revolutionizing how geoscientists reconstruct the timing and evolution of geological processes. By linking age information with chemical signatures that record magma evolution, temperature, and crustal interaction, this approach allows the dynamics of Earth processes to be resolved at unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. However, most current workflows require separate analyses for age, isotopes, and trace elements, limiting spatial resolution and preventing direct comparison of signals recorded in the same mineral growth domains. This project will develop an integrated analytical platform capable of simultaneous multi-isotope petrochronology by splitting a single femtosecond laser aerosol stream into three independent ICP-MS instruments: the Thermo Scientific Neoma MC-ICP-MS for high-precision Hf isotope measurements, the Thermo Scientific Element HR-ICP-MS for U–Pb geochronology, and the Thermo Scientific iCAP TQ MTX triple quadrupole ICP-MS for trace element analysis and interference-resolved isotope measurements. This configuration will allow U–Pb ages, Hf isotopes, and trace element signatures to be measured simultaneously from the same micron-scale ablation volume, providing a powerful new capability for petrochronology. The PhD student will design and optimize the analytical architecture required to deliver this capability, including developing aerosol splitting systems, gas flow dynamics, ion transport optimization, analytical protocols, and data reduction frameworks. Once established, the platform will be applied to eroded plutonic systems across Scotland, which offer an exceptional natural laboratory for petrochronology. Scotland exposes deeply eroded intrusive complexes associated with the Caledonian orogeny, allowing direct access to the roots of ancient magmatic systems rarely preserved elsewhere. These rocks provide an ideal opportunity to investigate the assembly, evolution, and crustal architecture of continental magmatic systems. Using zircon petrochronology, the project will address key questions such as how Scottish plutons were assembled through time, whether magma bodies formed incrementally or during short-lived emplacement events, how mantle-derived magmas interacted with the continental crust, and how magmatic systems evolved during the Caledonian mountain-building event. By linking U–Pb ages, Hf isotopes, and trace element signatures directly within zircon growth domains, the project will provide new insights into the timescales and processes of crustal magmatism and demonstrate the power of next-generation petrochronology methods. The student will work within a cutting-edge analytical environment at SUERC (Centre for Isotope Science), located in East Kilbride, about 20 km from the main University of Glasgow campus. There will also be opportunities to spend extended periods embedded within Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Research and Development hub in Bremen, Germany, working directly with engineers and scientists developing the next generation of mass spectrometry platforms. The successful candidate will join a cohort of six PhD students forming a focused mini-CDT, dedicated to developing next-generation analytical technologies across multiple isotope systems and advancing new approaches in geochronology. The studentship provides full financial support, including payment of academic tuition fees, a UKRI-aligned stipend for 42 months, and coverage of all laboratory and research travel costs. The project is open to applicants from around the world. Applicants should have strong backgrounds in geochemistry, Earth sciences, analytical chemistry, physics, or engineering. Experience with mass spectrometry, laser ablation, instrumentation, or data analysis is advantageous but not essential, as full training will be provided within a world-leading isotope research environment. To apply, visit the University of Glasgow College of Science and Engineering Graduate School application portal. Clearly state the title of the PhD project, list the primary SUERC supervisor, and select SUERC as the host department. The anticipated start date is September 2026.

This PhD opportunity at the University of Glasgow’s Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (SUERC) invites applications from outstanding candidates interested in developing next-generation mass spectrometry technology for noble gas analysis and Ar/Ar geochronology. The project sits at the intersection of analytical chemistry, instrument design, geochronology, and data science, aiming to revolutionize how noble gases are measured in Earth and planetary materials. Noble gas mass spectrometry is fundamental to geoscience, enabling high-precision geochronology, tracing mantle evolution, volatile cycling, and planetary processes. However, current measurement architectures in noble gas laboratories have remained largely unchanged since the 1960s. This project offers a unique opportunity to rethink instrument design for higher sensitivity, improved abundance sensitivity, faster acquisition, better multiplexing, and enhanced isotopic precision, especially for extremely small and young samples. The PhD research will explore emerging mass spectrometer platforms and measurement strategies for noble gas geochemistry, with a focus on Ar/Ar dating. Potential directions include evaluating Orbitrap-based technology for noble gas isotope analysis, hybrid instrument architectures, improved ion optics, next-generation detectors, and innovative approaches to sample introduction, purification, and gas handling. The project is highly exploratory and innovative, with scope to identify the most promising technological pathways for the future of noble gas analysis. The student will engage in conceptual design, modeling, and experimental evaluation of new instrument configurations for measuring argon and other noble gases. Tasks may include ion trajectory simulations, vacuum and source design, detector optimization, gas purification interfaces, and development of analytical protocols for ultra-low abundance isotopes. A central aim is to assess whether new platforms can meet the demanding requirements of Ar/Ar geochronology: precise isotope ratio measurement, low blanks, robust interference correction, and reproducible analysis across a wide dynamic range of sample sizes and ages. Beyond instrument development, the project addresses broader scientific questions such as analytical breakthroughs needed for high-precision geochronology, dating smaller and younger samples, resolving complex thermal histories, improving spatial resolution, and extending noble gas measurements into new domains. The successful candidate will contribute to both technology development and the future analytical capability of geosciences. Applicants should have strong backgrounds in physics, engineering, chemistry, instrumentation, or quantitative geoscience. Experience in mass spectrometry, vacuum systems, electronics, ion optics, scientific programming, or data analysis is advantageous but not essential. Prior experience in noble gas geochemistry is not required, as full training will be provided within a world-leading isotope research environment. Supervisors include Prof Darren Mark, Dan Barfod, Ross Dymock, Rasika Mahajan (SUERC), and Doug Hamilton & Lothar Rottmann (Thermo Fisher Scientific). The project features an industrial partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientific, offering opportunities for extended periods embedded within their Research and Development hub in Bremen, Germany. This collaboration provides unique insight into instrument design, prototyping, and translating new analytical concepts into operational technology. The studentship provides full financial support, including payment of academic tuition fees, a UKRI-aligned stipend for 42 months, and coverage of all laboratory and research travel costs. The project is open to applicants from around the world. The student will join a cohort of six PhD students forming a focused mini-CDT, dedicated to developing next-generation analytical technologies across multiple isotope systems and advancing new approaches in geochronology. This collaborative environment enables students to work together across complementary projects and deliver scientific advances greater than the sum of individual studentships. To apply, visit the University of Glasgow College of Science and Engineering Graduate School application portal. Clearly state the title of the PhD project, list the primary SUERC supervisor, and select SUERC as the host department. The anticipated start date is September 2026, and the application deadline is April 24, 2026. For further information, contact [email protected].