15 PhD positions in the REALISE MSCA Doctoral Network across Europe

Applications are now open for 15 fully funded PhD positions in the REALISE MSCA Doctoral Network. This exciting program brings together igneous petrology, volcanology, critical raw materials, and machine learning/AI. It trains young researchers to solve real-world problems like better volcanic hazard prediction and improved exploration of critical minerals in magmas.

The network uses advanced data and AI tools (such as physics-informed models and generative AI) to study magma processes and help society. All positions are fully funded for 36 months. There is no application fee. The first call deadline is 31 March 2026 (positions stay open until filled). You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Degree Level: PhD (Doctoral)
• Duration: 36 months
• Host Countries: Italy, Germany, Belgium, France, Hungary, Slovenia
• Application Deadline: 31 March 2026 (or until positions are filled)
• Open to All Nationalities
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• No Application Fee

What This Scholarship Offers:

• A full salary for 36 months based on MSCA rules (living allowance around €4,010/month adjusted by country, plus mobility allowance €710/month, and family allowance €660/month if you have family)
• International experience through secondments (research stays) at partner institutions
• High-level training in petrology, volcanology, machine learning, AI, and other skills
• Chance to work on cutting-edge interdisciplinary research with top experts

Also Check: 72 Fully Funded PhD Positions at SISSA in Italy 2026/2027

Available Projects:

• DC1 – Deciphering the genesis of critical ore deposits in the Bushveld Layered Intrusions
  Host: University of Perugia (Italy) – Supervisor: Prof. Maurizio Petrelli Secondments: BGR (Germany); UvA (Netherlands)
• DC2 – Pre-eruptive dynamics at Campi Flegrei: multimodal petrology + physics-informed AI Host: University of Perugia (Italy) – Supervisor: Prof. Maurizio Petrelli Secondments: KUL (Belgium); UL (Slovenia)
• DC3 – ML-assisted atomistic simulations: partitioning of critical raw elements in magmas Host: University of Perugia (Italy) – Supervisor: Prof. Maurizio Petrelli Secondments: IPGP (France); LUH (Germany)
• DC4 – Generative AI for super-resolution & artificial 3D tomography of crystal zoning
  Host: Leibniz University of Hannover (Germany) – Supervisor: Prof. Monika Sester Secondments: NU (UK); ELTE (Hungary)
• DC5 – Data-driven investigations of magma plumbing systems at active volcanoes
  Host: Leibniz University of Hannover (Germany) – Supervisor: Prof. François Holtz Secondments: KUL (Belgium); UvA (Netherlands)
• DC6 – Multi-phase ML thermo-chemo-barometry of volcano plumbing systems
  Host: KU Leuven (Belgium) – Supervisor: Prof. Olivier Namur Secondments: LUH (Germany); UNIPG (Italy)
• DC7 – AI-assisted mineralogical/textural characterization of LCT pegmatites
  Host: KU Leuven (Belgium) – Supervisor: Prof. Anouk Borst Secondments: BGR (Germany); UORL (France); LUH (Germany)
• DC8 – DeepEruptive: AI for eruptive parameter estimations (petrology + CFD + tephra maps) Host: Sorbonne University (France) – Supervisor: Prof. Paola Cinnella Secondments: INGV (Italy); Ainoudo (France)
• DC9 – Melt inclusions: ML analysis of hyperspectral data for magma reservoir conditions Host: Sorbonne University (France) – Supervisor: Dr. Hélène Balcone-Boissard Secondments: SOLEIL (France); KUL (Belgium)
• DC10 – ML-assisted multimodal workflows for sulfide accumulation processes in ore deposits
  Host: CNRS/University of Orleans (France) – Supervisor: Dr. Giada Iacono-Marziano Secondments: Teledyne Photon Machines; INFN (Italy)
• DC11 – AI-supported hypothesis formulation on metal-rich granites (critical metal prospectivity)
  Host: CNRS/University of Orleans (France) – Supervisor: Dr. Fabrice Gaillard Secondments: BRGM (France); UNIPG (Italy)
• DC12 – Petrological monitoring & eruptive style forecasting in open-vent volcanoes (Etna) Host: Eötvös Loránd University (Hungary) – Supervisor: Dr. Réka Lukács Secondments: UL (Slovenia); Italian Civil Protection Department (Italy)
• DC13 – ML for hypothesis formulation + trace-element thermodynamic insights in silicic systems
  Host: Eötvös Loránd University (Hungary) – Supervisor: Prof. András Lukács Secondments: UNIPG (Italy); KUL (Belgium)
• DC14 – DEGAS: ML-based atomistic simulations of volcanic degassing
  Host: Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (France) – Supervisor: Prof. Razvan Caracas Secondments: INFN (Italy); UORL (France)
• DC15 – Large Language Models for automated data explanations in petrology (incl. multimodal fusion)
  Host: University of Ljubljana (Slovenia) – Supervisor: Prof. Blaž Zupan Secondments: UNIPG (Italy); UvA (Netherlands)

Also Check: 51 Fully Funded PhD Positions at University of Bologna (42nd cycle)

Eligibility Criteria:

• Not have a PhD degree when you start the position
• Follow the MSCA mobility rule: In the last 3 years before starting, you must not have lived or worked/studied in the host country for more than 12 months
• Meet the PhD entry rules of the host university
• Show strong interest in mixing Earth Sciences and ML/AI
• Have excellent English skills

Backgrounds welcomed: Earth Sciences (petrology, volcanology, geochemistry), Computer/Data Science (ML/AI), or interdisciplinary profiles.

Also Check: 8 Fully Funded Doctoral positions at the University of Konstanz in Germany

How to Apply:

1. Visit the official website: Click Here
2. Check the Recruitment or Apply section for links to each position
3. Prepare your documents as one PDF file:
   • Motivation letter (max 1 page) – say which position(s) you prefer
   • CV (include education, research experience, any publications)
   • Academic transcripts and degree certificates (if ready)
   • Proof of English level (if asked)
4. Submit online before 31 March 2026 (or until filled)

Also Check: 14 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Joint Doctorate Fellowships (Fully Funded)