Doctoral position in crystallography / materials science

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) in Munich is one of Europe’s leading research universities. The LMU Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences invites applications of candidates for a doctoral position in the project „Partially open grain and phase boundaries as fluid pathways in metamorphic rocks: new observations and modelling“, funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation – DFG). The position is financed for three years (salary scale 75% E13).

We aim to understand how nanometre-scale open grain and phase boundary networks are formed in metamorphic rocks, how these networks respond to thermal and mechanical loading scenarios and how this affects material properties such as permeability, reactivity, and mechanical properties. We will employ high resolution electron and optical microscopy techniques as well as numerical forward modelling by discrete and finite-element methods. The project will open a wide field of further research on properties of any type of polycrystalline material and specifically on the design of technical materials.

The research is based at the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich/Germany, and will be performed in cooperation with Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane/Australia; GFZ German Research Centre For Geosciences, Potsdam/Germany; and the Bavarian Research Institute of Experimental Geochemistry and Geophysics, Bayreuth/Germany.

Candidates must have an MSc or equivalent in any field of the geosciences, material science, physics or chemistry. Familiarity with mathematics and mechanics is desirable. Personal mobility for visits to cooperation partners is required.

LMU offers a culturally diverse, family friendly and flexible working environment as well as opportunities for career development. We especially seek applications from qualified individuals with disabilities. We particularly welcome applications from women.