Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Just Landed
New Today
Three PhD positions in Earth Sciences on MAGMAS: Mantle plume sources and impact Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Full funding availableDeadline
Sep 10, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

How do I apply for this?
Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.
Apply for this position
Keywords
Suggested positions
About this position
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is advertising three PhD positions on the VICI project MAGMAS: Mantle plume sources and impact in the Department of Earth Sciences / Faculty of Science.
The project focuses on Earth Sciences, geochemistry, volcanology, geodynamics, and mantle plume dynamics. The research aims to couple geochemistry and geodynamic behaviour of mantle plume localities in the Atlantic Ocean to understand how mantle composition influences convection. Study sites mentioned include Iceland, Azores, St Helena, Ascension, and Tristan-Gough.
The three PhD projects will use advanced analytical techniques on minerals and melt inclusions, including wet chemistry, TIMS, MC-ICP-MS, in situ Laser Ablation MC-ICP-MS, SIMS, and high-pressure sample preparation for volatile and stable isotope work. Numerical modelling will also be part of the work, including geochemical and geodynamic modelling and participation in an ASPECT coding workshop.
The positions are based at VU Amsterdam in Amsterdam, Netherlands, with analytical work in the NIGEL laboratories and collaborations/visits in the UK and Germany. The project is funded by the Dutch Research Council as part of a Vici project. The role is a full-time PhD employment with a salary from €3,059 gross per month in year 1 up to €3,881 gross per month in year 4, initially for 1 year and extendable to 4 years.
Eligibility highlights: an MSc in Earth Sciences, strong motivation for mantle geochemistry, hands-on analytical experience preferred, and affinity with computational methods such as Python, R, and ASPECT. Strong English communication and good social skills are required.
How to apply: submit the application online before 2026-09-10. Required documents include a motivation letter, short CV, grade list, MSc thesis or draft, and two references. Email applications are not accepted.
Funding details
Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.
How to apply
Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent via the online portal before the deadline.
More information can be found here
Ask ApplyKite AI

How do I apply for this?
Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.