Missions

The candidate will work in the framework of the GEOASTRONOMY project, which is a collaborative ERC project, involving PIs in Orléans (F. Gaillard, Fr), Munich (K. Heng, Ger) and Bayreuth (S. Mojzsis, Ger). The mission is to resolve several issues on the broad topic of solubility of (C-O-H-N-S-P) volatile elements in silicate magma in the exotic Pressure-Temperature-Composition parameter space covered by exoplanetary systems. A priority is given to the solubility of hydrogen, carbon and nitrogen in silicate melts. The candidate will use thermodynamic laws and vast experimental database to calibrate the speciation and solubility of C-O-H-N-S-P components in silicate melts. The production of additional experiments in order to bridge gap in the database will be decided with the candidate. The aim of these research actions is to capture the chemical foundations ruling planetary interior – atmosphere exchanges in order to pave the way for the interpretation of astrophysical observations on exoplanets. At ISTO, the candidate will work with Prof. Fabrice Gaillard and Prof. Hugh O'Neill. The candidate will also collaborate with a group of researchers addressing complementary topics and methodology such as Experimental calibrations of volatile solubility laws, Molecular Dynamic simulations of silicate melts, Petrology of melting of exoplanetary mantles, and the partitioning of light elements in planetary cores, plus other Astrochemical simulations and modelling actions involving the ERC partners in Munich and Bayreuth.

Activities

The candidate is expected to
• use and develop thermodynamics codes to model fluid-melt equilibria
• present critical analyses of the experimental database on fluid-melt equilibria
• contribute to the acquisition of experimental data at high pressure and temperature
• discuss results with a group of local collaborators
• expose and share results with the ERC partners
• present results in international congress
• publish results in international journals
• collaborate with other fellows involved in GEOASTRONOMY

Skills

Required Expertise:
• a PhD involving numerical modelling of magmatic processes is required
• a scientific background on high-temperature high-pressure thermodynamics is expected
• use of internally heated pressure vessel and /or piston-cylinders is welcome
• independence thinking and writing skill are needed
• capacity to work and communicate in a research group is required

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate, with 0-5 years of post-PhD experience. A solid background in numerical modelling and high-temperature high-pressure thermodynamics is demanded.

Work Context

The work will be conducted at CNRS ISTO, Orléans (Fr) and LMU, Munich (Ger). The contract can extend up to 3 years.

ISTO is located on a green campus on the edge of Sologne. A dynamic local social action centre is available.

Constraints and risks

Regular group meetings and travels in France and in Europe are planned