Post-doctoral researcher (M/F) in planetary science

CNRS; France; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A prominent research institution in France is seeking a Post-doctoral researcher to study terrestrial planetary interiors. This role involves conducting original research through high-pressure experiments and modeling internal structures. Applicants should have a PhD and expertise in relevant areas such as geophysics and material science. The position is full-time and expected to commence in February 2026, with an initial contract of 12 months.

Qualifications

• Experience in high-pressure and high-temperature measurements.
• Experience with synchrotron and laboratory techniques.
• Experience in modeling structure using numerical techniques.

Responsabilités

• Conduct original research in planetary interiors.
• Perform high-pressure experiments.
• Analyze and interpret geophysical data.

Connaissances

High-pressure and high-temperature measurements

Synchrotron techniques

Modeling planetary internal structure

Material characterization

Formation

PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Earth and Planetary Sciences

Description du poste

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie Research Field Geosciences Astronomy Environmental science Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Country France Application Deadline 4 Dec 2025 - 23:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 2 Feb 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

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

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

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)”. 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).

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.

Additional comments

• 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 ([e-mail]).