Three PhD positions on VICI project MAGMAS: Mantle plume sources and impact

Are you passionate about Earth’s interior dynamics and volcanism? Do you want to contribute to science by developing new analytical techniques and numerical models? Do you get excited about using geochemical data to explore mantle plume dynamics?

Three PhD positions on VICI project MAGMAS: Mantle plume sources and impact

The three PhD positions are part of a larger Vici project funded by the Dutch Research Council.

The MAGMAS project aims to couple the geochemistry and geodynamic behaviour of various mantle plume localities within the Atlantic Ocean to better understand how the Earth’s mantle composition influences convection. The project includes one field campaign to a remote volcanic island and various research visits to collaborators in the UK and Germany.

The 3 PhDs will apply advanced analytical techniques to analyse minerals and melt inclusions (MI) in volcanics from various plume localities and will use that data in geochemical and geophysical numerical modelling.

The team will work on three main tasks:

• Improve the accuracy of plume source composition
• Quantify changes with tectonic setting and time
• Determine the impact on convection behaviour and element exchange

Topic 1 will be addressed by determining the elemental and radiogenic- and stable isotope compositions of minerals and melt inclusions. Topic 2 requires comparing the analytical data for various plume localities (Iceland, Azores, St Helena, Ascension, Tristan-Gough). Topic 3 will be addressed by geochemical and geodynamic modelling. The 3 PhDs will work on all three topics by using different techniques.

The analytical work will be performed in the NIGEL laboratories at VU Amsterdam and at laboratories of collaborators in the UK (Edinburgh) and Germany (Munster). The geodynamic modelling will be done at GEOMAR, Kiel, Germany in collaboration with Juliane Dannberg.

Your duties

The PhD students will apply and further develop advanced analytical techniques to determine combined major, trace and volatile element and isotope data on mineral and melt inclusion by wet-chemistry techniques (clean laboratory work), TIMS and MC-ICPMS mass spectrometry (PhD1), and by in situ Laser Ablation MC-ICPMS (PhD2) and SIMS techniques (PhD3). Applicants thus preferably have hands-on experience with analytical geochemistry. The volatile and stable isotope analyses by SIMS will furthermore include high pressure experiments for sample preparation (PhD3). For the geodynamic modelling the PhD students will take part in a 10-day ASPECT coding workshop. Applicants thus preferably have strong affinity in computational methodologies.

Selected candidates will closely collaborate with other team members, colleagues and collaborators. The research will lead to peer-reviewed publications that will be used to write a PhD thesis. The PhD candidates will present the results at national and international conferences, and will contribute to the department’s teaching programs.

Planned starting date is January 1st 2027 (or soon after).

Your profile

• degree in MSc in Earth Sciences
• strong scientific motivation and interest in mantle geochemistry
• hands-on experience with relevant analytical techniques
• affinity with numerical modelling (Python, R, Aspect)
• excellent ability to communicate in both written and spoken English
• good social skills

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

What do we offer?

Selected candidates will become part of a world-class research team. You will have plenty of opportunities to develop creative ideas and your career. Our team values both independence and collaboration. There will be mentorship and guidance from the project’s principal investigator Janne Koornneef and other project members. You will be exposed to a large collaborative international network, through research visits to project partner institutes and attendence to international conferences. We offer competitive salaries and benefits, and we strongly value a healthy work-life balance. You will live in or around the multicultural metropolis of Amsterdam.

• an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
• space for personal development
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

Project and research group

The MAGMAS project will be carried out within our multi-disciplinary Isotope Geochemistry research group. The NIGEL facility headed by the MAGMAS PI is unique in the Netherlands with 2 TIMS, 2 MC-ICP-MS, 1 ICP-MS and 1 ICP-OES instruments and two laser systems for in situ analyses. A new metal free clean laboratory is to be installed within new VO Research Building. The MAGMAS project will make use of the advanced VU mineral and melt inclusion preparation laboratories and is also related to research done in the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, the VU Stable Isotope Lab, and the Argon Geochronology laboratory.

Department of Earth Sciences

The MAGMAS project will have important implications for the composition of the crust, oceans, atmosphere, and climate, and is well-embedded in the broad research done within the major research themes at the VU Earth Science Department. The department studies our dynamic planet from nano- to planetary scale by combining fieldwork, lab work and computer simulations. The department’s research facilities are regarded as outstanding, while its international focus fosters national and international collaboration generating high-quality research. The Department furthermore offers an Earth Sciences BSc and MSc teaching programme.

Faculty of Science

Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.