Fully Funded PhD in Earth and Planetary Geodynamics, Venus Tectonics and 3D Geodynamic Modelling University of Freiburg in Germany

PhD opportunity in Earth and Planetary Geodynamics at the University of Freiburg, Germany.

The Earth and Planetary Geodynamics (EPG) research group, led by Junior Professor Anna Gülcher, is recruiting for a fully funded PhD position focused on the dynamics of Venus and its connections to Earth-like tectonic processes. The project centers on high-end 3D geodynamic modelling of tectonic and magmatic processes in selected Venusian regions, with links to planetary mission observations such as remote sensing, topography, and gravity. The broader scientific goal is to better understand the conditions that favor the onset of plate-tectonic behavior on rocky planets and to draw implications for early Earth geodynamics and volcanic outgassing.

This opportunity sits within an interdisciplinary environment bridging geosciences and planetary sciences. The group combines computational modelling, Earth observations, planetary mission data, and laboratory constraints to study planetary interiors, surfaces, and atmospheres. Research themes include tectonics, mantle convection, volcanism and outgassing, atmospheric evolution, scientific software development, and the interpretation of geophysical and remote-sensing datasets.

The position is advertised as 3.5 years in duration with a flexible start date in late summer/fall 2026. It includes a generous research budget for computational resources, conference travel, and project-related expenses. Training opportunities include geodynamic modelling, computational methods, data science, scientific communication, and international collaboration.

Eligibility / profile: applicants should be strongly interested in geodynamics, planetary science, tectonics, volcanism, and numerical modelling. Experience with computational methods or high-performance computing would be useful. The post does not list a detailed formal requirement set in the text provided.

Application window: review of applications begins on 2026-06-22 and continues until the position is filled.

More information: full details are available on the group webpage linked in the post.