We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow to work in computational mineralogy, studying the chemical behavior of silicate and metal solids and melts. We are specifically interested in candidates with previous experience or interested in studying the solidification and the differentiation dynamics of silicate magma oceans and their impact on the subsequent solid-state, long-term, thermo-chemical evolution of Earth and other planetary mantles. The successful candidate will work on element partitioning from ab initio molecular dynamics simulations coupled with thermodynamic integration.

The position is funded by a European Research Council advanced grant on the multidisciplinary study of the Solidification of Earth’s Primitive Mantle (SEPtiM). The SEPtiM project combines high-pressure and high-temperature experimental petrology, thermodynamic modeling, ab initio theoretical calculations, and geodynamic numerical modeling. The position is purely computational.

The successful candidate should have:

• A Ph.D.in earth sciences, materials science, chemistry, physics, or a related field with a focus on physical chemistry and thermodynamics
• A strong background in research, with experience in molecular dynamics simulations and statistical mechanics
• Good communication skills and the ability to work well in a team environment
• A strong record of publications in relevant journals and conferences
• The ability to work independently

Additionally, preference will be awarded to candidates who have: 

• Experience with thermodynamic integration methods
• Experience with machine learning techniques
• Experience with interatomic potentials and their use in molecular simulations

The position is for two years, with the possibility of an extension. The package must include a CV, names of references, and a motivation letter. The ideal start date is September 2023, with some flexibility to start earlier or later.

The successful candidate will be hosted at the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (IPGP), in Paris, France. IPGP is a world-renowned geosciences research institute founded in 1921, associated with the CNRS, a component of the Université Paris Cité and employing more than 500 people.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package and the opportunity to work in a stimulating and supportive research environment.

Questions may be addressed to Drs. Razvan Caracas ([email protected]) and James Badro ([email protected]). To apply, please follow the link to the CNRS employment website https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CDD/UMR7154-SABGAL-021/Default.aspx?lang=EN