Missions

One postdoctoral position is available in the ab initio team at IPGP to study the evaporation of C–O–H volatiles from the magma ocean. The work will rely entirely on molecular dynamics simulations, ab initio and in machine learning.
The position is part of the ERC Advanced Project DAWN.

Activités

The successful candidate will perform an ensemble of atomistic simulations based on density-functional theory and molecular dynamics. She/he will explore a wide compositional and thermodynamic space, with a focus on volatiles, such as CO, CO2, CH4, and H2O. A very important part of the research is to fit machine learning interatomic potentials. These will enable large-scale atomistic simulations to investigate fluxes across surfaces, chemical interactions between gas and liquid, chemical partitioning, and the behavior of volatiles in the liquid phase.

Compétences

The successful candidate must have a strong background in research, with experience in ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, machine-learning interatomic potentials, and statistical physics methods. A solid foundation in thermodynamics, as well as in mineral physics or condensed matter sciences, and a strong publication record are required.
Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and expertise in machine-learning techniques are essential.
Candidates with excellent communication skills, the ability to work effectively in a team as well as independently, strong time-management capacities, and a clear motivation to pursue research in physics, chemistry, and mineralogy will be preferred.
A Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, or a related field with a focus on physical chemistry and thermodynamics. A strong record of publications in relevant journals and conferences.

Contexte de travail

You will be part of the ab initio group at IPGP. With more than 12 young researchers, the ab initio group is an active and dynamic team in computational mineral physics. Our research covers a wide spectrum of planetary mineralogy topics, ranging from the supercritical state that dominated the protolunar disk to the internal structure of exoplanets. Current efforts focus on the formation and evolution of the atmosphere during the Hadean, as well as on identifying the conditions that allow prebiotic chemistry to emerge.
The group is funded by the ERC, Université Paris Cité, and other sources. The ab initio group is part of the CAGE team (Cosmochemistry, Astrophysics, and Experimental Geophysics), which brings together researchers and faculty working on the formation of the solar system and its early evolution, the origin of the Earth, and its ancient geological history. We are a highly active group, with several ongoing ERC projects, and we regularly host national and international collaborators.
The IPGP is a world-renowned geosciences institution, affiliated with the CNRS and integrated within Université Paris Cité. With more than 500 members, IPGP investigates the Earth and planetary bodies from the deep interior to the outermost fluid envelopes, using approaches that combine observation, experimentation, and modeling.

Contraintes et risques

The position follows standard procedures and regulations currently in force in France, with remote work kept to a minimum.