Eötvös Loránd University

Department of Petrology and Geochemistry, BAVOLPA research project

We are seeking a highly motivated early-career scientist for a full-time postdoctoral position (2 years, with the possibility of a 1-year extension) at the Department of Petrology and Geochemistry, Eötvös Loránd University (Budapest, Hungary).

The successful candidate will join the BAVOLPA (BAsaltic VOLcanism in the PAnnonian Basin) research project, which aims to understand why magma is generated in the upper mantle and why volcanic eruptions occur in a continental intraplate setting long after the peak of lithospheric extension.

The research focuses on the Pannonian Basin (east-central Europe), one of the best natural laboratories for investigating the links between mantle dynamics, lithospheric evolution, and intraplate basaltic volcanism.

A comprehensive overview of alkaline basaltic volcanism and its possible geodynamic origins can be found in the following papers:

• Harangi, S. & Lenkey, L. (2007). Genesis of the Neogene to Quaternary volcanism in the Carpathian–Pannonian region: Role of subduction, extension, and mantle plume. Geological Society of America Special Paper 418, 67–92.
• Harangi, S., Jankovics, M.É., Sági, T., Kiss, B., Lukács, R. & Soós, I. (2015). Origin and geodynamic relationships of the Late Miocene to Quaternary alkaline basalt volcanism in the Pannonian Basin, eastern–central Europe. International Journal of Earth Sciences, 104, 2007–2032.
• Harangi, S., Seghedi, I. & Lukács, R. (2026). The Neogene–Quaternary volcanism of the Carpathian–Pannonian region: from initial plate tectonic models to quantitative petrogenetic explanations. Geological Society, London, Special Publications 554.

The successful applicant is expected to develop research addressing one or more of the following key questions:

1. Origin of intraplate basaltic magmas. Apply petrological and numerical modelling to evaluate the relative roles of (a) buoyant hydrous mantle upwellings originating from the mantle transition zone and (b) edge-driven convection in triggering partial melting of the asthenospheric mantle beneath the Pannonian Basin.
2. Nature of the mantle source. Constrain the composition and lithological heterogeneity of the magma source using olivine and spinel chemistry, with particular emphasis on assessing the contribution of recycled crustal materials (eclogite/pyroxenite).
3. The lithospheric mantle as a geochemical filter. Investigate how melt–rock interaction within the lithospheric mantle modifies the composition of asthenosphere-derived magmas through reactive melt transport and mantle metasomatism.
4. From mantle source to surface. Apply mineral thermobarometry, diffusion chronometry, and petrological modelling to constrain magma storage conditions, magma ascent rates, and pre-eruptive magma evolution.
5. Integrating petrology and geophysics. Combine petrological, geological, and seismological observations to develop integrated models of basaltic volcanism across the Pannonian Basin, with particular emphasis on regions that experienced the youngest volcanic eruptions.

Applicants are encouraged to develop their own research ideas within these broad themes and are expected to contribute to an interdisciplinary effort combining petrology, geochemistry, geophysics, and numerical modelling.

Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• A PhD in Earth Sciences, Geology, Geochemistry, Geophysics, or a closely related discipline.
• A strong background in one or more of the following areas:
  • igneous petrology;
  • geochemistry;
  • mantle petrology;
  • mineral chemistry;
  • numerical modelling of magmatic or mantle processes;
  • geophysics or seismology.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research team.

Applicants should submit the following documents:

• a motivation letter describing the research interests and motivation for applying;
• a brief research statement (1–2 pages) describing which of the proposed research questions they would like to pursue and how they would approach it;
• a copy of the PhD degree (or proof of successful PhD completion); the title of the PhD thesis;
• a curriculum vitae, including a complete list of publications;
• contact details for two referees.

Applications should be submitted by e-mail to Prof. Szabolcs Harangi (harangi.szabolcs@ttk.elte.hu).

Application deadline: 31 July 2026

Expected starting date: 1st of October 2026 (or as early as 1st of September 2026)

If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Harangi