Open Positions

We are looking for M.S. students, Doctoral Students and Postdoctoral Researchers! See below for open research topics!

Proposal for Postdoctoral position in Experimental Rheology of Eclogites

The Structural Geology and Tectonics Group led by Professor Whitney Behr welcomes applications for a 3-year Postdoctoral position on subduction interface experiments, deformation, and microstructures.

Job description

  • Design and conduct deformation experiments on eclogite at high P–T using the Griggs-type apparatus (≥3 GPa).
  • Quantify mechanical behavior and derive flow-law parameters; integrate microstructural data (EBSD/EDS, microprobe, FTIR, micro-CT).
  • Contribute to comparative studies and field sampling in Norway’s Western Gneiss Region.
  • Present results in group meetings, international conferences, and peer-reviewed publications.

Profile

  • PhD in Earth Sciences or a closely related field.
  • Experience with high-P/T rock deformation or closely related experimental methods.
  • Familiarity with microstructural/analytical tools (EBSD/SEM, microprobe, FTIR; micro-CT a plus).
  • Excellent English communication; collaborative working style; motivation to link laboratory and natural observations.

More information on the position can be found here.

Proposal for PhD position in Deformation and Microstructures of Eclogites

The Structural Geology and Tectonics Group led by Professor Whitney Behr welcomes applications for a 4-year Ph.D. position on subduction interface rheology, deformation, and microstructures.

Job description

  • Perform shear/deformation experiments under diffusion-creep conditions; assist with high-P/T runs
  • Conduct microstructural and petrological analyses of experimental and natural samples (EBSD/EDS, microprobe, FTIR, micro-CT)
  • Participate in fieldwork and sampling in Norway; link natural structures to laboratory results
  • Present findings at group meetings, international conferences, and in peer-reviewed journals

Profile

  • MSc in Earth Sciences/Geology or a related field
  • Background in structural geology, petrology, or rock mechanics; enthusiasm for experimental and microstructural work
  • Solid English skills; collaborative, organized, and comfortable with field campaigns
  • Curiosity, positivity, and care with delicate equipment

More information on the position can be found here.

Proposal for Master Thesis in metamorphic petrology, structural geology, and petrochronology

Structural Geology and Tectonics Group @ ETH Zurich

Primary Supervisor: Dr. Silvia Volante (email)

In collaboration with Prof. Paola Tartarotti (University of Milan — UNIMI) and Dr. Filippo Luca Schenker (SUPSI)

Title: Petrogenetic processes and tectono-metamorphic evolution of cryptic amphibolitic bodies in the Tambò and Adula nappes (Central Alps) 

Investigating the petrogenetic processes and the subsequent tectono-metamorphic evolution of mafic rocks within an orogenic setting such as the Alps is crucial to understanding the pre-orogenic geological environment and their evolution during mountain building. Amphibolite lenses preserved within the crystalline basement of the Adula and Tambò nappes may represents key relics either i) related to magmatic intrusions prior to plate convergence or ii) associated with the onset of the opening of the post-Variscan Tethys Ocean.

Description: The aim of the project is to understand the origin of these mafic bodies to better comprehend their nature and their pre-Alpine to Alpine geodynamic context in which they could have formed. The outcome of this project will contribute to better constrain the tectonic evolution of the Central Alps. These amphibolitic bodies were previously interpreted to be part of the Chiavenna ophiolitic Unit (i.e. as relic of the fossil Mesozoic Ocean) or, alternatively, as a mafic-ultramafic unit close to a thinned continental margin. However, their origin is yet ambiguous and poorly constrained. 

Main objectives:

This project is based on the following main objectives:

  • Determine the field relationships between the amphibolite and the host rock by detailed geological mapping in order to guide strategic sampling on selected areas (Ticino-Switzerland and Valchiavenna-Italy). 
  • Characterize the mineralogy, mineral chemistry and bulk-rock geochemistry to determine the petrogenetic environment. 
  • Determine the magmatic and overprinting metamorphic ages using U-Pb geochronology on mineral phases such as zircon, titanite, and apatite. 
  • Estimate pressure and temperature conditions of the dominant mineral assemblage. 

Masters Theses in the Rock Deformation Laboratory

Structural Geology and Tectonics Group @ ETH Zurich

Primary Supervisor: Dr. Leif Tokle (email)

Co-supervisor: Prof. Dr. Whitney Behr

The goal of the rock deformation lab is to understand and constrain micromechanical processes and their application to large-scale tectonic processes such as plate boundary shear zones and planetary dynamics. To do this we conduct high pressure and temperature deformation experiments, together with a variety of microstructural analyses. Masters projects can involve characterizing mechanical relationships (flow laws), understanding the effect of secondary phases on the rheology of a polyphase rock, or understanding the influence of extrinsic and intrinsic variables (Temperature, pressure, stress, strain rate, fluid content, grain size) affect a minerals mechanical properties.

Potential M.S. Projects*

  • Developing a diffusion creep flow law for either muscovite or biotite
  • Effect of muscovite on the brittle-ductile transition in a micaceous quartzite
  • Effect of fluid chemistry on quartz-muscovite aggregates
  • Quantifying the viscous anisotropy of a foliated blueschist
  • Characterizing the effect of stress pulses (simulated earthquakes) on quartz microstructures

*For more detailed information on these projects, contact Leif Tokle.

General Tasks

-Conduct rock deformation experiments (trained by Leif Tokle)

-Microstructural analysis (petrographic and electron microscopy)

-Processing and integrating mechanical data