The Institute of Geophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IG CAS) in Prague is inviting applications for one fully-funded, full-time Ph.D. position lasting three years. The successful candidate will engage in innovative research exploring water instability under reduced atmospheric pressure using both the methods of analogue and numerical modelling.
The PhD project aims to improve our understanding of the process of effusive cryovolcanism by studying the double phase transition of water in vacuum-like and Mars-like pressure environments. In particular, the research will focus on understanding how boiling water affects the freezing of its surface, what the structure of the ice will look like and what role salts and changes in flow regime will play in the process of freezing. To find the answers, the applicant will carry out three experimental campaigns in a low-pressure chamber located at the Open University in the UK under the supervision of Dr. Petr Brož, but will also participate in the development of a numerical model capable of explaining the observed behaviour under the supervision of Dr. Vojtěch Patočka.
We invite applications from motivated individuals who wish to achieve breakthrough results in the field of effusive cryovolcanism in conjunction with analog and numerical modelling. This project is co-supervised by Dr. Petr Brož and Dr. Vojtěch Patočka. For informal academic queries as well as enquiries relating to eligibility or application process contact petr.broz@ig.cas.cz.
We expect that the selected candidate will be responsible for co-conducting experiments, data analysis, numerical modelling, and preparation of publications, active participation in international conferences and in popularization of the acquired knowledge.
Since in the Czech Republic the institutes of the Academy of Sciences cannot award doctoral degrees, we assume that the successful candidate will enroll for doctoral studies at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics of Charles University.
Eligibility Requirements:
- English at least at B2 level
- Master in geosciences or planetary sciences or physics
- Programming skills are an advantage
- Applicants cannot apply if they are already a PhD holder or if currently engaged in Doctoral study elsewhere
- Must be able to commit to campus-based full-time or part-time study
Funding Notes
This is one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) for three years with a minimum guaranteed annual income as follows. The first year ~13,400 Euro, the second year ~14,100 Euro and the third year ~14,750 Euro. In addition to that, a monthly stipend of 440 Euro will be paid by the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics of Charles University if the candidate is enrolled in a regular doctoral program. Depending on the candidate’s level of involvement in the day-to-day running of the Institute, it is possible to receive annual financial bonuses of between one and two monthly salaries.
Application procedure
The positions remain open until filled; evaluation of applications will begin on 4 January 2025, CET.
Expected starting date of contract is February 1, 2025, but can be adjusted individually. We encourage applicants with current commitments, who are interested in joining us later, to communicate with us. An applicant is expected to send a short motivation letter, CV, and if appropriate a list of publications and name of one professional from relevant academic or industry field from whom reference letter can be requested.
Send these documents to petr.broz@ig.cas.cz. Please include “Cryovolcanism PhD + your name” in the email Subject.
About us
The Institute of Geophysics is a public research institution focusing on fundamental research, strong in acquisition of observational data and involved in applied research in collaboration with industry partners. The institute currently employs about 50 researchers. The formal communication language within the institute is English. The institute is located in a research campus shared with two other institutes, in a green residential area of southeastern Prague, comfortably connected to the city center by public transport (15 minutes by underground). Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, ranks among the 20 largest cities of the European Union and is an attractive travel destination.