The Centre for Earth Evolution and Dynamics (CEED, www.mn.uio.no/ceed/english/), University of Oslo has a vacant 2-year position as postdoctoral fellow in computational mineralogy and geochemistry. To strengthen the deep Earth materials group, we seek a candidate who will apply first principles atomistic simulation by density functional theory and thermodynamic integration.

We investigate the phase relations, material properties (especially mineral and melt densities) and chemical transfer in the lower mantle and outer core. The candidate must align with our current focus on core-mantle chemical exchange of major elements like Si and O, as well as mineral-melt partitioning of large-ion lithophile elements. Developing or implementing new methods is important in these efforts. Simple BurnMan modelling of mineral densities along different geotherms will also be useful and essential.

Our objective is to put tighter constraints on the structure, materials, material properties and dynamics of the lower mantle and outer core. In particular, this includes early refractory domains in the middle of the lower mantle, the D"-zone with large low shear-wave velocity provinces and ultra-low velocity zones, as well as a possible outermost stagnant core layer.

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in the fields of mineralogy, materials science or solid-state physics. Experience with first principles atomistic simulation is required. Programming skills, using e.g. Python, are also essential.

For more information about the position and how to apply, see:
www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/199528/postdoctoral-research-fellow-in-computational-mineralogy-and-geochemistry