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PhD Thesis Student VolTE (m/f) Subject: Volatiles during Terrestrial Evolution (VolTE)

Context & Job description

You will join a collaboration between the ESRF (beamlines ID27 and ID15B) and the geodynamics group at the Earth Science Institute (ISTerre) of the University of Grenoble Alpes (UGA), to study the properties of deep Earth’s mantle melts.

The main objective of this project is to determine the mobility of hydrated silicate melts at the bottom of Earth’s lower mantle (~2900 km depth, 120-135 GPa and 2500-3750 K). The presence of such deep hydrous melts over geological times would have important implications for our understanding of planetary interior evolution and geodynamics. To evaluate their existence, information about their structure and density as a function of pressure, temperature, iron and water content is required.

The purpose of this project is to develop an innovative experimental approach based on high-energy time-resolved X-ray diffraction techniques (milli-seconds timescales) to determine this fundamental information. Experiments will be conducted at the state-of-the-art high-pressure X-ray diffraction beamlines ID27 and ID15B of the ESRF, Grenoble (France) using optimized high-pressure high temperature devices (laser-heated diamond anvil cells). Geodynamic modelling will be carried out in collaboration with experts at ISTerre Grenoble (UGA) to evaluate the mobility of volatile-rich deep silicate melts and their effect on large-scale phenomena.

Further information may be obtained from Angelika Rosa (tel: +33 (0)4 38 88 19 75, email: arosa@esrf.fr)  or Guillaume Morard (tel.: +33 (0)4 76 63 52 21, email: guillaume.morard@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr).

Expected profile

  • Degree allowing enrolment for a PhD (such as MSc, Master 2 de Recherche, Laurea or equivalent) in Earth sciences, physics, materials science or closely related fields
  • Strong interest in addressing scientific problems
  • Interest in synchrotron X-ray based techniques, in particular diffraction is desirable
  • Knowledge of basic programming (python) would be an asset
  • Proficiency in English (working language at the ESRF)

Working conditions

The successful candidate will be enrolled at the Université Grenoble-Alpes. The candidate will be hired by the ESRF (Grenoble, France). 

Contract of two years renewable for one year.

Do you recognize yourself in this description? Apply now for your next professional adventure!

What we offer:

  1. Join an innovative international research institute, with a workforce from 38 different countries
  2. Collaborate with global experts to advance science and address societal challenges
  3. Come and live in a vibrant city, in the heart of the Alps, and Europe's Green Capital 2022
  4. Enjoy a workplace designed to support your quality of life
  5. Benefit from our competitive compensation and allowances package, including financial support for your relocation to Grenoble

For further information on employment terms and conditions, please refer to https://www.esrf.fr/home/Jobs/what-we-offer.html

The ESRF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from disabled persons.

Company description

The European Synchrotron, the ESRF, is an international research centre based in Grenoble, France.

Through its innovative engineering, pioneering scientific vision and a strong commitment from its 700 staff members, the ESRF is recognised as one of the top research facilities worldwide. Its particle accelerator produces intense X-ray beams that are used by thousands of scientists each year for experiments in diverse fields such as biology, medicine, environmental sciences, cultural heritage, materials science, and physics.

Supported by 21 countries, the ESRF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages diversity.

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