15 Doctoral Candidate Positions in the MSCA Doctoral Network REALISE: Bridging Igneous Petrology and Machine Learning REALISE in Italy

The MSCA Doctoral Network REALISE offers 15 fully funded PhD positions at the intersection of igneous petrology, volcanology, critical raw materials, and machine learning/artificial intelligence. This innovative European network brings together leading universities and research institutes to train doctoral candidates in advanced petrological observations, multimodal analytical data, and state-of-the-art ML/AI techniques, including physics-informed and generative AI approaches.

REALISE aims to improve volcanic hazard assessment, risk mitigation, and the understanding and exploration of critical raw materials in magmatic systems. Doctoral projects span topics such as magma lifecycle processes, multimodal data fusion, hybrid physics–ML modelling (from computational fluid dynamics to atomistic simulations), and AI-assisted hypothesis formulation. Each PhD project is hosted at a participating European university, with international secondments and advanced training opportunities.

Eligibility follows the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network rules: applicants must not already hold a PhD and must not have resided or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment. Candidates must also meet the doctoral admission requirements of the host institution. A Master’s degree or equivalent in geosciences, chemistry, computer science, or physics is required. Applicants should demonstrate strong motivation for interdisciplinary research, excellent English communication skills, and relevant skills in petrology, volcanology, geochemistry, mineralogy, thermodynamics, modelling, machine learning, data science, statistics, image analysis, or scientific programming.

Each position is a 36-month, fully funded PhD fellowship under MSCA rules, offering a competitive salary package: a living allowance of €4,010/month (adjusted by country coefficient), a mobility allowance of €710/month, and a family allowance of €660/month (if eligible). The exact gross salary depends on the host country and institution. Fellows will benefit from international secondments, advanced training, and a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment.

Supervisors include leading academics such as Prof. Maurizio Petrelli (University of Perugia), Prof. Monika Sester (Leibniz University of Hannover), Prof. François Holtz (Leibniz University of Hannover), Prof. Olivier Namur (KU Leuven), Prof. Anouk Borst (KU Leuven), Prof. Paola Cinnella (Sorbonne University), Dr. Hélène Balcone-Boissard (Sorbonne University), Dr. Giada Iacono-Marziano (CNRS/University of Orleans), Dr. Fabrice Gaillard (CNRS/University of Orleans), Dr. Réka Lukács (Eötvös Loránd University), Prof. András Lukács (Eötvös Loránd University), Prof. Razvan Caracas (Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris), and Prof. Blaž Zupan (University of Ljubljana).

To apply, visit the project website (https://realise-dn.eu/recruitment/) for detailed instructions. Prepare a single PDF file containing a motivation letter (max 1 page, indicating your preferred DC position), CV, academic transcripts/degree certificates, and proof of English proficiency if required. Submit your application before 31 March 2026. The selection process is open, transparent, and merit-based, following MSCA and institutional policies on equal opportunity and non-discrimination. Positions remain open until filled.

For more information, visit https://realise-dn.eu.