The project is funded by the European Research Council.

Within the research group CLEAR we endeavor to understand large scale geological processes that operate deep inside planets. Our approach is to recreate high pressure-temperature conditions in the laboratory and examine various physical properties of geomaterials (minerals, rocks, glasses, and melts) in situ using state-of-the-art spectroscopic techniques. We then use these properties in collaboration with geodynamicists to create numerical models of planets.

We are looking for a highly motivated Postdoc to kick-off a five-year research program on the density of silicate glasses and melts at high pressure conditions. The primary research focus will be on measuring the density of volatile- and iron-free silicate glasses in the diamond anvil cell using the novel all-optical method. The resulting data will inform a model of the density of silicate glass across the pressure range of the Earth’s mantle, and serve as the foundation of the universal silicate melt density model. The successful candidate will further develop the all-optical method for density measurements in the diamond anvil cell, and collaborate with Prof. Dr. Charles Le Losq (IPGP) and Dr. Sergio Speziale (GFZ) to gain deep insights into the composition-structure-property relation in the silicate glass system.

Your responsibilities:

• Synthesis of silicate glasses in the SiO2-Al2O3-MgO-CaO-Na2O-system at 1 atm
• All-optical measurements of density of silicate glasses in the diamond anvil cell
• Improve the all-optical method for density measurements in the diamond anvil cell
• Proactive scientific interaction within the research group and with other groups at the GFZ
• Report progress regularly at group meetings, domestic, and international conferences
• Publication of the results in peer-reviewed journals

Your qualifications:

• Master's degree or equivalent and PhD degree in Geosciences, Physics, Chemistry, or related disciplines
• Strong interest in glass/melt-physics and challenging experimental work
• Basic knowledge of optical, infrared, and Raman spectroscopies
• Experience in diamond anvil cell or a related high-pressure technique
• Experience with bench-top optical setups
• Basic programming skills would be beneficial
• Proficiency in written and spoken English

Please, indicate specifically how you fit the required qualifications as well as your motivations for becoming a member of the CLEAR group in a Cover Letter submitted with your application. In addition, provide a list of at least two references and their contact details who can evaluate your scientific work.