Models and Methods for Material and Environmental Sciences

Department

Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University or Modena e  Reggio Emilia

Main research activities/topics/projects

We invite applications for MSc/PhD students and post-docs interested in:

 a) Marine microplastics or

 b) Sediment geochemistry (organic carbon) or

 c) Seafloor and subseafloor geophysics (multibeam and seismic reflection)

 These topics are part of an interdisciplinary research project aimed at investigating the occurrence and dynamics of turbidity currents in the upper Amazon Canyon offshore Brazil, and their role in sediment transport, organic carbon burial, and pollutant dispersal.

 Prospective candidates will be involved in a combination of laboratory and data analysis activities, including:

 a) assessment of microplastic distribution and transport pathways in the Amazon Canyon between 100 and 1000 m water depths;

 b) interpretation of geophysical data (multibeam bathymetry and seismic profiles) to characterise seafloor morphology and stratigraphy, and evaluate the activity of the Amazon Canyon

 c) Geochemical analyses of sediment cores to quantify organic carbon content, sources, and burial efficiency;

 An oceanographic research cruise on board of the RV Falkor (too) of the Schmidt Ocean Institute is scheduled for May-June 2026 during which all samples and geophysical data will be collected and available for analyses starting from summer 2026.

The project offers strong opportunities for international collaboration, particularly between European and Brazilian institutions, and for participation in interdisciplinary training.

Working language 

The working language will be English

Special entry requirements

 a) Extraction of microplastic from sediments and microplastic identification with Raman, FT-IR or other methods or

 b) Interpretation of (2D,3D) seismic reflection data using software Petrel or similar or

 c) Sediment organic carbon geochemistry and stable isotopes, source of organic carbon (terrestrial vs. marine)

Duration in months (min-max)

Master Research: 3 - 12

Phd Sandwich: 3 - 12

Post Doc: 6 - 12