PhD Position in Planetary Sciences at KU Leuven, Department of Geology

11 May 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

KU Leuven

Research Field

Geosciences

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Belgium

Application Deadline

30 Sep 2024 - 00:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

38 hours/week

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

H2020 / ERC

Reference Number

BAP-2024-284

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

The Department of Geology at KU Leuven invites applications for a PhD position in Planetary Sciences, focusing on research related to the planetary mantle melting and/or magma ocean crystallization. This project, funded by the European Research Council Consolidator Grant "IronHeart," offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in understanding the early stages of planetary formation through experimental investigations.

Project Description:

The successful candidate will conduct experimental investigations to simulate the formation and evolution of magma oceans in planets. By recreating the extreme conditions present during the early stages of planetary accretion, the project aims to elucidate the physical and chemical processes governing magma ocean crystallization, differentiation, and subsequent solidification. While experimental studies will be the primary focus, the project will also involve numerical modeling to complement and interpret experimental results.

Responsibilities:

• Design and conduct high-temperature experiments to simulate magma ocean processes using experimental petrology techniques.
• Characterize the phase assemblages, mineralogical compositions, and textures of experimental samples through analytical methods such as electron microscopy, electron microprobe.

• Develop and implement simple numerical models to simulate magma ocean crystallization and differentiation processes.

Requirements

Research Field

Geosciences

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Good

Additional Information
Benefits

We offer a fully funded 4 year PhD position.

• Position: PhD Researcher
• Duration: 4 years.
• Salary: Competitive salary in accordance with KU Leuven's doctoral salary scale (~ 2500 EUR after tax).
• Start Date: Flexible, preferably in October 2024.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifications:

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Geology, Earth Sciences, Planetary Sciences, or a related field.
• Strong background in igneous petrology, experimental petrology, or mineral physics.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques commonly used in petrology, such as electron microscopy, electron microprobe.
• Experience with high-temperature experimental techniques is a bonus.
• Basic understanding of numerical modeling concepts and willingness to learn and apply numerical methods to complement experimental studies.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a passion for planetary science research.

Selection process

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Olivier Namur, tel.: +32 16 37 65 38, mail: [email protected] .

·       Interested candidates should submit a single PDF file containing a cover letter outlining their research interests and relevant experience, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and contact information for three references. Please apply through the vacancy website of the KU Leuven.

Deadline for Applications:

·       The application deadline is June 15th 2024. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Further Information:

·       For inquiries about the position or the IronHeart project, please contact Olivier Namur at [email protected] . Details on the Earth Sciences department and the Petrology group can be found at: https://ees.kuleuven.be/en/geology

You can apply for this job no later than 30/09/2024 via the online application tool

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

KU Leuven

Country

Belgium

State/Province

Vlaams Brabant

City

Leuven

Postal Code

3000

Street

Leuven

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://easyapply.jobs/r/hlgJBvh21TdEChuk0fe

Contact

State/Province

Leuven

City

Vlaams Brabant

Street

Leuven

Postal Code

3000

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED