PhD position Lithospheric structure of Central Asia
Czech Geological Survey
The Centre for Lithospheric Research was established in 2012 within the Czech Geological Survey on the basis of an initiative by the Czech government. The group includes geoscientists from various fields of research, including geodynamics, tectonics, metamorphic petrology, isotope geochemistry, geochronology, and geophysics, and conducts active research on five continents.
The student will be also registered at Charles’ University in Prague.
Homepage: https://clr.geology.cz/
Geodynamics (GD)
Tectonics and Structural Geology (TS)
The Czech Science Foundation funded PhD project will image the lithospheric structure of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt in the frame of the international project entitled “Decoding the lithospheric structure of Central Asia through cluster analysis and geophysical modelling” (GACR 26-24389L) in tight collaboration with the Institute of Geosciences, Christian Albrechts-University, Kiel.
This analysis is done by combining cluster analysis for proposing tectonic domains and linking this with forward and inverse geophysical-petrological modelling of the crust and upper mantle. Such a comprehensive and detailed image of the lithospheric structures is expected to improve our understanding of the CAOB, given that the clustering process followed by the modelling, will encompass the majority of constraints pertaining to crustal and mantle properties.
The regional areas of interest covers the Proterozoic to Palaeozoic tectonic units of central to south Mongolia and north-western China.
The candidate should have an MSc degree in Earth Sciences with a strong background in geophysics and good knowledge in tectonics. She/He should have good writing, reading and communications skills in English, be able to work independently and within a team. Command of GMT, Python and/or ArcGIS, would be highly appreciated but not mandatory.
The successful candidate will acquire skills in cluster analysis, joint inversion, geophysical-petrological modelling and tectonics, will do research visits in Kiel University and participate in international conferences. The PhD candidate will benefit from rich multidisciplinary research and interactions with members of both institutions in an international working environment.
Applications should include:
- A curriculum vitae (CV)
- A letter of motivation describing your background, research interests, and fit for the position.
- Copies of academic trenscripts and degree certificates
- Contact information for two academic references.
Please send all the materials, before 31 January 2026, to:
Alexandra Guy