PhD position in experimental volcanology
Institute of Geophysics CAS
The Institute of Geophysics is a public research institution whose mission is to conduct fundamental and applied research in the Earth sciences, to maintain a network of Earth observation facilities, and to engage in education and inform the public on scientific issues of high societal importance.
Homepage: https://www.ig.cas.cz/en/research/teams/tectonic-modelling/
Tectonics and Structural Geology (TS)
We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to join our team for a 4-year project investigating the rheology of crystalline lavas. This project is funded by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic and aims to unravel how high crystal content and deformation mechanisms influence catastrophic transitions from viscous flow to brittle fragmentation in crystal-rich lavas. These processes control eruption dynamics and lava-dome collapse at active volcanoes such as Mt. St. Helens, Unzen, and Mt. Pelée.
Project Description
The physical properties of highly crystalline lavas (>50% crystals) control the dynamics of many explosive eruptions. However, their non-Newtonian rheology—driven by crystal–melt interactions, shear thickening, and ductile tearing culminating in brittle fragmentation—remains poorly constrained. The goal of this project is to understand the microphysical mechanisms and to quantify the strength of crystal-rich lavas deformed at different fabric orientations and confining pressures.
The work will be conducted primarily in Prague at the Institute of Geophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IGCAS). Experimental work will be carried out in cooperation with our partner, Dr. Matěj Peč, in his laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT, USA).
You Will
- Conduct high-temperature deformation experiments on natural trachyte and dacite lava samples using deformation rigs in the laboratory of Dr. Matěj Peč at MIT.
- Develop microphysical models of crystalline lava deformation to constrain its rheological properties.
- Collaborate with the Tectonic Modeling team at IGCAS (Prague) and with partners at MIT (USA) to describe ductile-to-brittle transitions in crystalline lavas and to develop a new conceptual model of lava-dome growth and fragmentation.
- Present experimental results at international conferences and contribute to peer-reviewed manuscripts.
Requirements
- MSc degree in Earth Sciences, Geology, Volcanology, or a related field (or equivalent, with 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.
What We Offer
- Assistance with PhD enrollment at Charles University. Enrollment in a PhD program at any European or U.S. university within the framework of the advertised project is also welcome.
- Employment at IGCAS for the duration of the project; social and health insurance are provided.
- Full funding for research expenses and conference travel.
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities.
- A supportive environment with mentorship, interdisciplinary training, and a healthy work–life balance in a vibrant academic setting. The working language at the Institute of Geophysics is English.
- Prague is a safe and comfortable European city offering a rich cultural life and excellent connections to other European cities (e.g., Berlin, Vienna, and Krakow).
- Start date: March 2026.
Submit your application as a single PDF to zavada@ig.cas.cz by February 10th, 2026, including:
- A CV including a list of presentations and publications
- Contact details for two referees
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed virtually or in person.