Missions

Original research activity focused on the study of the interior of the terrestrial planets of the solar system

Activités

Space missions and Earth-based observations are providing unprecedented data on the interiors of terrestrial planets. The InSight mission has yielded seismic and geodetic data for Mars, helping to constrain its internal layers. Soon, magnetic and gravimetric data from Mercury's BepiColombo mission will aid in understanding its internal structure. Interpreting these geophysical data to model planetary structure and dynamics depends on understanding the physical properties of materials under relevant pressure and temperature conditions.

The post-doctoral researcher (M/F) is expected to make an original contribution to the study of terrestrial planetary interiors through a combination of experiments and modeling, depending on their background and research project.
The post-doc's activities will include:
- High-pressure and high-temperature experiments (large-volume presses, resistive and laser-heated diamond anvil cells)
- Synchrotron measurements (e.g., diffraction, tomography, inelastic x-ray scattering, and/or absorption spectroscopy)
- Measurements at X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) facilities
- Pulse-echo ultrasonic and/or laser acoustic measurements
- Material characterization using electron microscopy techniques
- Ab initio calculations of phase diagrams and material properties
- Thermodynamic modeling
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Presentations at meetings and conferences
- Writing reports and scientific papers

Compétences

The candidate (M/F) should be self-driven but also capable of effectively working in a collaborative environment, conducting research at the forefront of material science and planetary science.

Both experimentalists and modelers are encouraged to apply.
Candidates must have experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Proven expertise in high-pressure and high-temperature measurements, including in situ and ex situ analysis using synchrotron and/or laboratory techniques (e.g. X-ray diffraction, absorption or scattering, electron microscopy, ultrasonic methods, optical spectroscopies, pump-probe techniques).
- Proven experience in modeling planetary internal structure and dynamics, using thermodynamic, finite element, or numerical approaches or simulations.

A PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Earth and Planetary Sciences, or a related field is required for this position.

Contexte de travail

The research project will be carried out at the Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC), a research unit supported by the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Sorbonne Université, and the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle (MNHN), and more specifically within the research team “Minéralogie, Pétrologie et Physique Planétaire (MP3)”.
IMPMC hosts researchers with expertise spanning condensed matter physics, materials science, biology, and mineralogy, offering a truly multidisciplinary research environment. The institute has long-standing ties with synchrotron facilities and extensive expertise in high-pressure experimentation, including diamond anvil cell and large-volume press technologies. On site, we have access to a full synthesis laboratory, a platform dedicated to sample fabrication by deposition (PVD, e-beam), a double-sided laser-heating diamond-anvil cell laboratory, a large-volume press laboratory (piston-cylinder, Paris-Edinburgh presses, multi-anvil press), a femtosecond laser micro-machining facility, electron microscopes (SEM, TEM, microprobe), a focused ion beam, a NanoSIMS, X-ray diffraction equipment, a picosecond acoustics setup, and various optical spectrometers (Raman, infrared, Brillouin).

Contraintes et risques

IMPMC is located on two sites at 10 minutes walking distance.
National and international trips have to be expected to perform measurements (e.g. at synchrotrons or XFEL) as well as to attend meetings and conferences.

Informations complémentaires

The candidate (M/F) is invited to submit an original research proposal.
The preferred starting date is February 2026, but the actual date can be arranged with the selected candidate. The initial appointment is for 12 months, with the possibility of extension, depending on progress, mutual agreement, and funding availability.
For further information, please contact the project's scientific coordinator, Daniele Antonangeli (daniele.antonangeli@upmc.fr).