Do you want to discover how and in which environments life could have originated on early Earth? The CRC 392 (collaborative research center) brings together young and experienced researchers to foster and grow our cross-disciplinary network on the Emergence of Life research. They will integrate the initial boundary conditions of early Earth from biophysics, geoscience, astronomy and chemistry for innovative lab experiments.

Apply for this PhD position in Experimental Volcanology & Fluid-Rock-Interaction in the context of the Emergence of Life at the  Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich!

This project explores shallow geothermal environments driven by magmatic activity on their potential to act as physical-chemical factories where prebiotic reactions are catalyzed by glass /mineral – fluid reactions. Shallow geothermal systems span a broad range of pressure, temperature and pH values, and their fluids often source from deeper sub-volcanic/magmatic regions, connected by system-spanning transport processes such as gas and fluid flow through a permeable fracture network.

The goals of this project are:

• to explore chemical gradients and silicate-glass/mineral reactivity to e.g. liberate phosphorus, lanthanides;
• to explore the fertilization capacity of volcanic ashes introduced into aqueous systems as erupted ash is known for its scavenging capacity binding salts and is via volcanic lightning also a likely source for as possible source for simple prebiotic compounds ( such as NH3, HCN,..);
• to expand the current understanding of fluid-rock interactions under early earth conditions and chemical reactions from shallow to deeper environments to bridge the gap between shallow geothermal and sub-volcanic/magmatic systems.

The group seeks an outstanding and highly motivated candidate, eager to work in a highly interdisciplinary research group. Experience in experimental laboratory work, as well as in optical, petrological and geochemical analysis (e.g. XRD, Raman, SEM, EMPA, xCT, XRD), will be highly beneficial. Candidates should have a MSc in a relevant area (petrology, geochemistry, volcanology, Earth sciences).

The PhD student will be hosted at the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at LMU Munich. Within the CRC392 excellent interdisciplinary training, and networking activities are provided.

Apply with a CV, motivation letter, transcript of academic record, publications (if existing), and 2 references to Prof. Bettina Scheu <b.scheu@lmu.de>.

Evaluation of the applications will start immediately until the position is filled. The project can start in October 2024 and is funded for 3 years (TV-L-E13 (75%).