PhD Position in Catastrophical Magmas: The Institute of Geophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences is offering a PhD position to investigate the rheology of crystalline lavas, focusing on the transition from viscous flow to brittle fragmentation. This project is crucial for understanding eruption dynamics and lava-dome collapse in highly crystalline lavas.
Designation
PhD Candidate
Research Area
- Earth Sciences
- Geology
- Volcanology
Location
- Institute of Geophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA (Collaboration)
Eligibility/Qualification
- MSc degree in Earth Sciences, Geology, Volcanology, or a related field (thesis defense completed by the start date)
- Background in igneous petrology, rheology, or experimental petrology
- Experience with high-temperature experiments, microstructural analysis (SEM/µCT), or computational modeling (e.g., MATLAB or Python) is advantageous
- Excellent communication skills in English
Description
The PhD project focuses on:
- Conducting high-temperature deformation experiments on natural trachyte and dacite lava samples
- Developing microphysical models of crystalline lava deformation to analyze rheological properties
- Collaborating with the Tectonic Modeling team at IGCAS and partners at MIT to describe ductile-to-brittle transitions
- Presenting results at international conferences and contributing to peer-reviewed manuscripts
Benefits
- Assistance with PhD enrollment at Charles University or any European/U.S. university
- Employment at IGCAS, providing social and health insurance
- Full funding for research expenses and conference travel
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities and mentorship
- A supportive academic environment in a vibrant city
How to Apply
Submit your application as a single PDF to zavada@ig.cas.cz by including:
- A CV with a list of presentations and publications
- Contact details for two referees
Last Date to Apply
February 10th, 2026
Start Date
March 2026
This opportunity offers a unique blend of experimentation and theoretical modeling in a top-tier research environment, paving the way for advancements in the understanding of volcanic behavior in crystal-rich magmas.
