PHD offer: The Fate of Magmatic Carbon in the Lower Crust
Supervisors: Pierre Bouilhol & Thomas Rigaudier
Institution: Université de Lorraine, & CNRS, CRPG, Nancy, FRANCE
Funding: Fully funded for 3 years
Candidate Profile
• Master’s degree in Geology, Geochemistry, Petrology, or related fields.
• Strong background in Petrology
• Experience with mass spectrometry is a plus but not mandatory.
• Excellent written/verbal communication skills (English required).
Project Overview
Carbon dioxide (CO₂), sulfur, and water are critical volatile components of volcanic emissions, shaping Earth’s long-term climate. Subduction zones play a key role in the deep carbon cycle, yet
major uncertainties remain about how carbon is stored, mobilized, and recycled in the lower crust—a poorly understood reservoir in Earth’s lithosphere. This PhD project will investigate the
storage and fate of magmatic carbon in the lower crust using three world-class geological settings:
(1) Kohistan Arc Lower Crust (Cretaceous intra-oceanic subduction, Pakistan);
(2) Massif-Central Granulite (Variscan post-orogenic lower crust, France) and
(3) Sesia Mafic Complex (Permian magmatic rift margin, Italian Alps).
By integrating petrology, stable isotope geochemistry, and fluid inclusion analysis, through EPMA, SIMS and mass spectrometry, this research intends to constrain:
The primary carbon content of magmas and their degassing behavior;
The storage capacity and isotopic signature of carbon in different lower crustal environments;
The role of the lower crust in Earth’s deep carbon cycle.
This Project notably provides cutting-edge research at the intersection of petrology, geochemistry, and climate science, learning state-of-the-art technics (SIMS, EPMA, stable isotope labs); and collaboration with local, national and international experts.
How to Apply
Applications MUST be done through the Doctoral school: https://adum.fr/as/ed/voirproposition.pl?site=lorraine&matricule_prop=71728
1. Cover letter (research interests & qualifications).
2. CV (including academic record).
3. Contact details of 2 referees.
Application Deadlines: 11 Th May 2026 / Interview end of May
Starting date: Oct. 2026
For any questions about the PhD, feel free to contact Pierre Bouilhol