Planetary Research Jobs

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to explore and establish a new research line on the ab initio prediction of phase diagrams for solids and liquids at high temperatures and high pressures. The scientific aim is to understand materials and alloys relevant to planetary cores.

This is an exploratory position. There is no predefined workflow or detailed research plan. The selected candidate will be expected to critically assess possible computational strategies, design and test workable workflows, and gradually build a robust research strategy in close interaction with the supervisor, the research group and external collaborators.

Specific tasks include:

1. applying ab initio-based methods for phase diagram prediction under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions;
2. performing first-principles simulations of crystalline and liquid phases, using density-functional theory and/or machine-learning interatomic potentials where appropriate;
3. designing computational strategies to compare phase stability, melting behaviour and phase coexistence in systems relevant to planetary interiors;
4. exploring the use of molecular dynamics, free-energy methods, thermodynamic integration, structure prediction, machine-learning interatomic potentials or related techniques, depending on the needs of the project;
5. working in close collaboration with planetary scientists who are experts in planetary interiors but not necessarily in ab initio simulation methods;
6. communicating computational assumptions, limitations and results clearly to collaborators from neighbouring disciplines;
7. contributing to publications, presentations and the development of follow-up research proposals;
8. interacting with other members of the research group working on condensed matter physics, materials modelling and first-principles simulations.