Three PhD positions on VICI project MAGMAS: Mantle plume sources and impact

• degree in MSc in Earth Sciences
• strong scientific motivation and interest in mantle geochemistry
• hands-on experience with relevant analytical techniques
• affinity with numerical modelling (Python, R, Aspect)
• excellent ability to communicate in both written and spoken English
• good social skills.

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

Selected candidates will become part of a world-class research team. You will have plenty of opportunities to develop creative ideas and your career. Our team values both independence and collaboration. There will be mentorship and guidance from the project’s principal investigator Janne Koornneef and other project members. You will be exposed to a large collaborative international network, through research visits to project partner institutes and attendence to international conferences. We offer competitive salaries and benefits, and we strongly value a healthy work-life balance. You will live in or around the multicultural metropolis of Amsterdam.

All in all a challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts we offer you:

• a salary of € 3.059,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.881,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment
• an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
• space for personal development
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

Project and research group

The MAGMAS project will be carried out within our multi-disciplinary Isotope Geochemistry research group which addresses a wide range of scientific fields, including geochemistry, planetary science, archaeology, environmental science, and forensic research. The NIGEL facility (https://nigel.amsterdam/) headed by the MAGMAS PI is unique in the Netherlands with 2 TIMS, 2 MC-ICP-MS, 1 ICP-MS and 1 ICP-OES instruments and two laser systems for in situ analyses. A new metal free clean laboratory as part of the infrastructure is to be installed within new VO Research Building. The groups expertise with isotope analysis techniques on small samples sizes are applied in NIGEL in collaboration with colleagues from a broad range of fields; e.g., dust provenance, provenance of animals, humans and archaeological materials, authenticity of paints and or artworks or in ancient sediments and volcanics from volcanic arcs. The MAGMAS project will make use of the advanced VU mineral and melt inclusion preparation laboratories but is also intimately related to research done in the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, the VU Stable Isotope Lab, and the Argon Geochronology laboratory with whom we share support staff.

Department of Earth Sciences
The MAGMAS project will have important implications for the composition of the crust, oceans, atmosphere, and climate, and thus is well-embedded in the broad research done within the major research themes at the VU Earth Science Department. We study our dynamic planet from nano- to planetary scale to quantify the key cycles and interactions in system Earth. Processes taking place over timescales from seconds to millions of years are investigated by combining fieldwork, lab work and computer simulations. By bringing together our fundamental understanding of system Earth and our fresh curiosity we conduct research that is relevant for today’s societal challenges including sustainability, climate change and natural hazards. The department’s research facilities are regarded as outstanding, while the department’s international focus fosters national and international collaboration contributing to high-quality research outcomes. The Department furthermore offers an Earth Sciences BSc and MSc teaching programme.

Faculty of Science
Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.

From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from helium to the universe and from genetics to medicine: our education and research cover the full breadth of science, from molecules to mankind. Our academic education and research are highly experimental, technical and interdisciplinary in nature. That is why we collaborate extensively with leading scientific institutes and industry. The faculty has more than 8,000 students studying in one of the 39 programms and employs more than 1,400 staff across 10 scientific departments, making us one of the largest science faculties in the Netherlands.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility.  Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.