The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, within the Science and Technology Group at KU Leuven, is a department with 38 full-time professors, about 240 researchers and 24 full-time administrative and technical staff.
The main mission of the Department is to conduct high quality scientific research on the functioning of geo- and ecosystems at different temporal and spatial scales, including human-environment interactions and the sustainable management of natural resources.
The members of the Department provide high quality education in the fields of bioengineering, geography, geology and tourism. The Department aims to play a major role in societal issues such as environmental pollution, food production, climate change, forest, green and nature management, soil and water management, subsoil exploitation, urban and rural issues, development cooperation and tourism.
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Project
We invite applications for a fully funded PhD position at KU Leuven to investigate the role of mantle melting in the formation of Mercury’s crust. This project is part of an ERC-funded initiative and will involve high-pressure, high-temperature experimental petrology to simulate melting conditions relevant to Mercury’s interior.
Scientific Background
- Mercury is a unique planetary body with an unusually large metallic core and a silicate mantle depleted in FeO. Its surface is dominated by volcanic plains formed early in its history, but the origin and evolution of these magmas remain poorly understood. Recent geochemical data from NASA’s MESSENGER mission suggest that Mercury's magmas were produced under highly reducing conditions and derived from a mantle with unusual composition. Understanding the melting behavior of Mercury’s mantle is essential to constrain the petrogenesis of its crust and the thermal and chemical evolution of the planet.
Project Description
- The PhD student will perform controlled high-pressure experiments to simulate partial melting of Mercury-like mantle compositions under reducing conditions. The results will be used to constrain melting phase equilibria, melt compositions, and crystallization sequences. This work will be integrated into a broader effort to understand the evolution of Mercury through time.
Profile
- A fully funded 4-year PhD position supported by the European Research Council
- Access to state-of-the-art experimental petrology facilities, including piston-cylinder and multi-anvil presses
- A dynamic and international research environment within the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at KU Leuven
- Opportunities to present research at international conferences and collaborate with leading experts in planetary science
- Competitive salary and social benefits according to Belgian university standards
- Support for career development and training through KU Leuven's doctoral school
Offer
We seek a motivated and enthusiastic candidate with a strong background in geology, petrology, planetary science, or a related field. Prior experience with laboratory techniques (e.g. experimental petrology, SEM/EPMA analysis) is an asset but not mandatory. A good command of English (spoken and written) is required.
Division of Geology
Interested?
Interested candidates should send a CV, motivation letter, academic transcript, and contact details of two referees.
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Olivier Namur, tel.: +32 16 37 65 38, mail: [email protected].
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
