Mantle8

Mantle8 is a natural hydrogen exploration company using scalable geoscience-based technologies to find the best natural hydrogen reserves around the world.

Homepage: https://mantle8.com/

Mantle8 is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join an ambitious project dedicated to understanding natural hydrogen generation in the subsurface. The position focuses on the development of advanced thermomechanical and fluid–rock interaction models to quantify serpentinization rates within deeply buried ultramafic mantle bodies acting as hydrogen “kitchens.” The position is in collaboration with Pr. Luc Lavier at the University of Texas at Austin.

Recent discoveries of natural hydrogen accumulation have heightened interest in the geological processes responsible for its generation. Serpentinization—the hydration and transformation of ultramafic mantle rocks—is a key mechanism, especially in exhumed mantle domains preserved in the Pyrenees and peri-Mediterranean mountain belts. Evaluating the long-term evolution, efficiency, and spatial distribution of serpentinization in these settings is essential for characterizing natural hydrogen resources.

The postdoctoral researcher will work on the development of a new forward thermomechanical and hydrological modeling framework to: 1) simulate the coupled processes governing mantle serpentinization, including viscoelastic compaction, water uptake, dilation driven by pore-fluid pressure and fractures; 2) assess serpentinization rates per unit volume in deeply buried mantle domains; 3) integrate geophysical datasets including gravimetric, seismic, and magnetotelluric into 2D and 3D modeling frameworks; 4) develop surrogate models using Physics-Guided Neural Networks (PGNNs) for inversion and uncertainty quantification of serpentinization histories.

We welcome applicants with:

• A Ph.D. in geophysics, geodynamics, computational geosciences, or a related discipline.
• Experience in numerical modeling of deformation, fluid–rock interaction, or thermomechanics (finite elements, viscoelasticity, poro-elasticity, etc.).
• Strong programming skills in Python, C++, Fortran.
• Familiarity with inversion techniques and neural networks.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

The position has a duration of 18 months with a start date of July 2026 and will principally located at Mantle8 Headquarters, Grenoble, France, with research visits to Austin, Texas (University of Texas at Austin). The supervisors are Prof. Luc Lavier, University of Texas at Austin and Dr. Suzon Jammes, Geophysical Lead, Mantle8

Submit applications to: l.lavier@mantle8.com, s.jammes@mantle8.com

Required documents:

• Curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages)
• One-page statement of research interests and relevant experience
• Contact information for two referees

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.