Research Staff / PhD position in the field of petrology, geochemistry and deep learning

European Geosciences Union e.V.; Hannover; Vor Ort; EUR 50.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading German university is offering a PhD position focused on decoding magma plumbing systems using deep learning. The candidate will develop models, process data from volcanic rocks, and contribute to cutting-edge research in petrology and geochemistry. A Master's degree is essential, with responsibilities including thermodynamic modeling and deep learning applications. This opportunity provides access to modern analytical facilities and supports interdisciplinary collaboration.

Qualifikationen

• Master's degree in a relevant field is required.
• Experience with thermodynamic models is beneficial.
• Familiarity with Deep Learning applications is essential.

Aufgaben

• Constrain crystallization conditions in magma reservoirs.
• Develop and apply Deep Learning approaches for data processing.
• Improve thermodynamic models to predict crystallization sequences.

Kenntnisse

Deep Learning

Thermodynamic modeling

Data processing

Ausbildung

Master's degree

Tools

electron microprobe

LA-ICP-MS

infrared spectroscopy

Jobbeschreibung

Research Staff / PhD position in the field of petrology, geochemistry and deep learning

Employer: Leibniz University Hannover

The Institute of Earth System Sciences (IESW) at Leibniz University Hannover offers access to modern analytical and experimental facilities (electron microprobe, LA-ICP-MS, infrared spectroscopy, IHPV, CSPV, 1 atm. furnaces). The project is interdisciplinary, combining Machine Learning and petrology, and is embedded in ongoing IODP-related research at the IESW.

Geochemistry, Mineralogy, Petrology & Volcanology (GMPV)

Type: Student / Graduate / Internship

Level: 13 TV-L, 75 % (collective agreement for the public service of the German states)

Required education: Master

Deadline: 1 March 2026

Posted: 22 December 2025

Project Overview

The petrology group at Leibniz University Hannover opens a PhD position with the following research focus: ”Decoding Magma Plumbing Systems in a Nascent Subduction Zone with Deep Learning (IODP Expedition 352)”. Supported by the German Science Foundation (DFG), the project aims to understand the evolution of magmatic systems during the initiation of a subduction zone, using volcanic rocks from the Izu‑Bonin‑Mariana arc drilled during IODP Expedition 352.

Responsibilities

• Constrain crystallization conditions in magma reservoirs using thermobarometers.
• Apply and improve thermodynamic models to predict crystallization sequences and mineral compositions.
• Develop and apply Deep Learning (DL) approaches to automatically process large datasets of backscattered‑electron (BSE) images.

How to Apply

Your application should include:

• Motivation letter (max. 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae
• University transcripts / certificates with grades
• Short summary of the MSc thesis
• Names and contact information of two referees (or recommendation letters, if available)
• List of publications (if available)