Postdoc: evaporation and isotopic fractionation of the magma ocean (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

One postdoctoral position is available in the ab initio team at IPGP to study the evaporation of moderately volatile elements from the early magma ocean.

The project will rely entirely on molecular dynamics simulations, both ab initio and based on machine-learning interatomic potentials. Part of the work will also focus on predicting isotope fractionation using path-integral molecular dynamics simulations.

The position is part of the ERC Advanced Grant project DAWN.

Activity

Perform ab initio molecular dynamics simulations and simulations based on machine-learning interatomic potentials to study the evaporation of moderately volatile elements in early magma oceans.
Develop and analyze high-pressure and high-temperature molecular dynamics trajectories.
Compute thermodynamic and structural properties of silicate liquids.
Predict isotope fractionation using path-integral molecular dynamics simulations.
Contribute to the development and optimization of numerical simulation and analysis tools.
Interpret the results in the context of the formation and early evolution of terrestrial planets.
Present results at international conferences and contribute to scientific publications.

Your Profil

Skills

PhD in geosciences, physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related field.
Experience in atomistic simulations, especially ab initio molecular dynamics.
Good knowledge of electronic structure methods based on density functional theory (DFT).
Experience with scientific computing in Linux/HPC environments.
Programming and scientific data analysis skills (Python, bash, etc.).
Interest in physicochemical processes related to planetary interiors and magma oceans.
Experience with machine-learning interatomic potentials and/or path-integral molecular dynamics will be appreciated.
Good scientific communication skills in English, both written and oral.
Ability to work independently while integrating into an international collaborative research environment.

Your Work Environment

A world-renowned geosciences research institute founded in 1921, affiliated with the CNRS, a constituent institution of Université Paris Cité and home to over 500 staff members, the IPGP covers all disciplines of Earth and planetary sciences through observation, experimentation and modelling, across all timescales and spatial scales.

Research topics are organised around four major overarching themes: Earth and Planetary Interiors, Natural Hazards, Earth System, and Origins.

The IPGP is also responsible for accredited services in volcanology, seismology, magnetism, gravimetry and erosion. In particular, the IPGP's permanent observatories monitor the four active French overseas volcanoes in Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion and Mayotte (REVOSIMA).

The IPGP houses powerful computing resources and state-of-the-art experimental and analytical facilities, and benefits from first-class technical support.
The IPGP's Department of Training and Doctoral Studies offers its students geoscience programmes that combine observation, quantitative analysis and modelling, reflecting the quality, richness and thematic diversity of the research conducted by the IPGP's teams.

The postdoctoral researcher will join the ab initio team at the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (IPGP), which specializes in atomistic modeling of geological and planetary materials using molecular dynamics simulations and electronic structure methods.

The project will be carried out within the framework of the ERC Advanced Grant DAWN, dedicated to the evolution of the early Earth atmosphere and the interactions between magma oceans, degassing, and prebiotic chemistry.

The work will take place in an international and interdisciplinary research environment, with access to national and European high-performance computing facilities. The candidate will collaborate with researchers and students working on silicate liquids, volatilization processes, isotope fractionation, and the early evolution of terrestrial planets.

Constraints and risks

The position follows the standard procedures and regulations currently in use in France for academic research contracts. Presence on site at IPGP is required for most of the activity, with remote work kept to a minimum.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Between €3,132.83 and €4,343.20 gross per month, depending on experience.

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions