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 the mineralogy and chemical composition of exoplanetary mantles & magmas. The exotic Pressure-Temperature-Composition parameter space covered by exoplanetary systems implies a range of mantle compositions, being significantly different from Earth's mantle. What type of mineral assemblages shall we expect and what type of magmatic compositions should be produced in this exoplanetary parameter space? The candidate will use thermodynamic modelling using classical petrological tools (eg. Perplex & MELTS) and run several experimental tests using piston-cylinder presses to verify the ability of these petrological tools to predict phase equilibria in these exotic exoplanetary systems. The aim of such experiments and models is to capture the chemical foundations ruling the genesis and compositions of exoplanetary magmas. In turns, the deduced range of magmatic compositions will nourish future experiments and models capturing the dynamics of volatile degassing and mantle-atmosphere interactions in exoplanetary systems. At ISTO, the candidate will collaborate with a group of researchers addressing complementary topics and methodology such as Experimental calibrations of volatile solubility laws, Thermodynamic modelling of multi-component planetary degassing/ingassing, Molecular Dynamic simulations of silicate melts, -and 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 petrological tools and simulating mantle melting in a range of compositions/conditions
• present critical analyses of numerical results
• conduct, analyze and interpret experimental results obtained 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 in experimental and/or mantle petrology is required
• a scientific background on the topic of mantle melting & magmatic differentiation is required
• experience in the use of piston-cylinders or multi-anvil presses is required
• 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 experimental and mantle petrology is demanded.

Work Context

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

Constraints and risks

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