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.
Eclogite is a dense, high-pressure metamorphic rock that can influence the strength of subduction interfaces and the deep lower crust, affecting plate coupling, slab pull, crustal foundering, and how stresses accumulate and release at depth. Field observations indicate that, under certain conditions, eclogite deforms by diffusion creep-a weak, grain-size-sensitive mechanism that can accelerate deformation, enhance fluid transport, and help localize strain. However, the strength of eclogite in this regime has never been quantified experimentally. This project, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, will deliver the first high-pressure/high-temperature calibration of eclogite diffusion-creep behavior and directly validate it against natural samples from Norway's Western Gneiss Region using field and microstructural observations. The
postdoctoral researcher will lead flow-law experiments on a newly installed Griggs-type apparatus (≥3 GPa) in the Rock Physics and Mechanics Laboratory and contribute to complementary field sampling and microstructural comparisons in the Western Gneiss Region.
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.
We offer - A 100% fixed-term position for 3 years including a number of benefits offered by ETH (see here )
- A friendly, dynamic, and interdisciplinary environment in the Structural Geology & Tectonics Group (led by Prof. Whitney Behr)
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