The fixed-term position is available for 3 years, and paid according to French standards for PhD
fellowships, including all associated social benefits.
This PhD project will investigate the link between microstructures, phase transitions and seismic
structures in the deep Earth mantle using a combination of advanced X-ray diffraction methods at
synchrotron radiation sources, in-house experimental facilities, and collaboration with
seismologists. The working language in the laboratory can be either French or English. English is
required for collaborations with the others project partners.
This position is part of an ANR-DFG collaborative project, TiMEleSS: Phase TransformatIons,
MicrostructurEs, and their Seismic Signals from the Earth's mantle, between the University of Lille,
the GFZ Potsdam and the University of Münster. The candidate will join a dynamic group of mineral
physicists and seismologists in France and Germany, and will work in close collaboration with other
PhD students within the network. The project is funded by the Agence Nationale de la Recherche in
France and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft in Germany.
Prerequisites:
We seek a highly motivated individual with keen interest in experimental work and ability to work
independently. The candidates should have a strong background in mineralogy/mineral physics
and/or materials science and/or physics with an interest in understanding Earth and planetary
processes. Experience in high pressure, diffraction, and/or synchrotron techniques is desirable but
not required. Good command of English (written and spoken), computational skills and availability
to travel are required. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in Earth Sciences,
Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry or a related field at the time of the appointment.
Applications:
Candidates should submit, in a single pdf file, a short statement of research experience and
interests, a CV including a list of scientific productions, and the names and contact information of
two or three potential referees by January 14th 2018 to Prof. Dr. Sébastien Merkel
(sebastien.merkel@univ-lille1.fr). Review of applications will start immediately and will continue
until the position is filled.
Please contact Prof. Dr. Sébastien Merkel for additional information concerning the project. General
information about the Mineral Physics group at the Université de Lille is available online at
http://umet.univ-lille1.fr/Mineraux/index.php?&lang=en. The PI’s homepage is at
http://merkel.texture.rocks/ and the temporary project homepage at http://timeless.texture.rocks/.