Research Assistant (PhD Student; m/f/d) in the area of experimental petrology

 

The Section of Mineralogy of the Institute of Earth System Sciences (IESW) invites applications for the position of a Research Assistant (PhD Student; m/f/d) in the area of experimental petrology (Salary Scale 13 TV-L, 75 %) starting as soon as possible. The position is limited to 3 years.

The position is funded within the scope of the second funding period of the DFG Research Unit "Diffusion Chronometry of Magmatic Systems" (FOR 2881) hosted at the Ruhr University Bochum and the Leibniz University Hannover and suitable for the achievement of a PhD degree.

Who we are

The main objectives of the DFG Research Unit FOR 2881 are to carry out experimental measurements and develop theoretical modelling tools for diffusion chronometry in various high temperature sys-tems. More information on ongoing and former projects within the Research Unit is available under: https://diffchron.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/  

Research at the Section of Mineralogy of the Institute of Earth System Sciences (IESW) at the Leibniz University Hannover focusses on high-temperature igneous processes and the general characterisation of magmatic systems with the ultimate aim to better understand the formation and differentiation of the continental and oceanic crust. Our well-equipped experimental lab, including several internally heated pressure vessels (IHPV), as well as the availability of state-of the art analytical facilities (SEM, EPMA, fs-LA-ICP-MS) allow us to conduct ground-breaking research covering a variety of different topics in igneous petrology. At our institute, we have an informal and supportive working environment and we promote the active exchange between individual team members.

The project

The main objective of the project is to provide essential boundary conditions for the application of the diffusion chronometric tools developed by the other projects within the Research Unit. Thus, we are looking for a PhD candidate to carry out phase equilibria experiments on calc-alkaline and alkaline systems at high pressures (P) and temperatures (T) with a special focus on amphibole stability and crystallisation systematics using internally heated pressure vessels and piston cylinder presses. Run products will be characterised using state-of-the-art analytical techniques such as SEM, EPMA, Raman, and Synchrotron Mössbauer Spectroscopy (SMS). Experimental results will be used to quantify the effect of various parameters (e.g. pressure, volatile contents, fO2, bulk composition) on the stability and composition of amphibole and develop new petrological tools to predict the crystallisation systematics of amphibole. The project will be supervised by Dr. Felix Marxer and Prof. Dr. François Holtz.

Your profile

We are looking for a person with a strong commitment to research and laboratory work. Required qualifications are:

• completed university science degree (M.Sc.) in Earth Sciences or equivalent
• strong background in (igneous) petrology and mineralogy
• experience with routine analytical techniques (e.g. SEM-EDS and EPMA-WDS)
• ability to work independently and as part of a team with international collaborations
• very good English skills (written and oral)

Some knowledge and experience in high-pressure-temperature experimental research (e.g. 1-atm gas mixing furnace, cold seal pressure vessel, internally heated pressure vessel, piston cylinder apparatus) and thermodynamic modelling of petrological processes is highly desirable.

 

The university aims to promote equality between women and men. For this purpose, the university strives to reduce under-representation in areas where a certain gender is under-represented. Women are under-represented in the salary scale of the advertised position. Therefore, qualified women are encouraged to apply. Moreover, we welcome applications from qualified men. Preference will be given to equally-qualified applicants with disabilities.

 

To apply for the position, please send a motivation letter (max. 2 pages), CV, contact details of two referees, copies of BSc and MSc certificates and diploma, and an overview of previously used techniques and methods until the 30th of June 2024 in a single PDF file to