PostDoc - Signals of climate and landscape change

The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences

Postdam, Germany

Closing date: 5th April 2014

Description

The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national research centre for Earth sciences in Germany. With approx. 1100 employees, the GFZ is conducting interdisciplinary research on the “System Earth” and the influence of humans on the planet. As a member of the Helmholtz Association, it is part of Germany’s largest science organization.

For Department 1 „Geodasy and Remote Sensing“, Section 1.4 „remote sensing“, we invite applications for a Postdoctoral position (m/f) Reference No. 02/1/14 D.

The position is part of the BMBF collaborative project “Geoarchives – Signals of Climate and Landscape Change preserved in Southern African Geoarchives“, funded within the international Research program “SPACES - Science Partnerships for the Assessment of Complex Earth System Processes”. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr Sabine Chabrillat in subproject 1 “Identification and mapping of palaeoenvironmental archives and process analysis in Southern Africa based on hyperspectral and multispectral remote sensing technology” in close collaboration with the other project partners in the GFZ, in the Technical University München and in the research institute Senckenberg am Meer Wilhelmshaven as well as cooperation partners in South Africa and Namibia.

Tasks:

• Develop concepts for the use of recent and upcoming Earth Observation Tools for the study of climate and land use changes impacts on the landscape ecosystem in southern Africa.
• Analyses of current hyperspectral and multispectral satellite imagery over different geoarchives of interest.
• Presentation and publication of results in scientific conferences and in peer-review journals.

Fellowships - Geophysical fluid dynamics

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

United States

Closing Date: 15th February 2014

Description

Since 1959 the GFD program has promoted an exchange of ideas among researchers from distinct fields that share a common interest in the nonlinear dynamics of fluid flows in oceanography, meteorology, geophysics, astrophysics, applied mathematics, engineering and physics.

The program is organized around a ten-week course of study and research with an overall philosophy of bringing together researchers from a variety of backgrounds to provide a discussion of concepts spanning different disciplines, and thereby creating an intense research experience. Fellows complete a mentored research project. The Program commences with two weeks of Principal Lectures. The 2014 theme is "*Climate Physics and Dynamics*".Lectures on "*Water, Radiation, and Convection in the Climate System*" will be given by Kerry Emanuel (MIT) and on "*Large Scale Dynamics in the Atmosphere and Ocean*" by Geoffrey Vallis (Exeter).

PhD - Geoinformatics

University of St Andrews

United Kingdom

Deadline date: 31/03/2014

Description

Applications are invited for a research studentship in GeoInformatics, leading to the award of a PhD degree. The post is supported by a bursary and fees at the UK/EU student rate only. The studentship is for three years from September 2014.

Contract - Geotechnical consultant or senior consultant

WSP Group

Scotland, United Kingdom

Deadline date: 24/01/2013

Description

WSP is a leading global multidiscipline consultancy with approximately 15,000 people worldwide, we deliver commercial and technical excellence to help our clients manage their risks and make sustainable business improvements. Our Geotechnical Design and Consultancy team in the UK are involved in a diverse range of projects including road, rail, wind infrastructure as well as some of the most prestigious and complicated such as The Shard and Crossrail.

We are currently seeking a motivated and ambitious geotechnical consultant to join our growing design and consultancy team in Glasgow or Edinburgh.

The successful candidate will play a key role in the day to day delivery of projects. The available position would suit those with a background in site investigation who would like to make a move into consultancy. For the right candidates there would be the opportunity to become part of the geotechnical design team working closely with our civil infrastructure, development and structural colleagues.

PostDoc - Neotectonics

University of California

United States

Deadline date: 16/12/2013

Description

The Department of Earth Sciences at the University of California, Riverside, invites applications for a faculty position in Neotectonics (broadly defined) at the Assistant Professor level, available July 1, 2014.

We seek a candidate who will develop a research program focused on the kinematics, mechanics, and interactions of faults, and how these features are expressed geologically and/or geomorphically over Quaternary timescales. We are particularly interested in candidates who synthesize field observations with multiple independent datasets or techniques (including, but not limited to satellite/airborne imagery, LiDAR, near-surface geophysics and/or modeling).

Requirements

A successful candidate must also have a strong commitment to excellence in education, and will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses related to the area of specialty.

A Ph.D. in a relevant field and a proven ability to conduct innovative research are required. 

More information and applications

Postdoc - Computational poroelasticity

University of Lausanne

Lausanne, Switzerland

Deadline for applications: January 15, 2014

Description

The Applied and Environmental Geophysics Group at the University of Lausanne has an opening for a postdoctoral researcher in the overall field of computational poroelasticity. A particular focus of this research project will be to explore the seismic response of fractured media in general and its relations to the underlying hydraulic properties in particular. The position is term-limited to a maximum duration of five years and will start in early 2014 or upon agreement. 

Requirements

At the time of appointment, the successful candidate must have completed a PhD degree in physics, geophysics or a closely related field. We are looking for a highly motivated, mature individual with strong analytical and methodological skills.

More information and applications

PostDoc - Geotechnology applied to Environmental Sciences

Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana

Bahia State, Brazil

Deadline date: December 04, 2013

Description and requirements

This position is valid for a minimum period of 12 months, renewed for a maximum of 60 months. The final result will be published on December 06, 2013 and the activities should start as soon as possible, after this date.

We accept application from both Brazilian and foreign researchers. The details of this call are described in the attached file and in the webpage of the Brazilian Federal Agency for the Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education - CAPES (http://www.capes.gov.br/bolsas/bolsas-no-pais/pnpd-capes):

- To formalize the application, the candidate should send us by email an updated CV; the fulfilled application form (see ANEXO I in attached file); and a proposal of work (maximum 20 pages) in the research field of the fellowship (Geotechnology applied to Environmental Studies).

- The net salary is about R$ 4100,00 (about US$2040.00).  It is a very good salary for example for a couple without kids to have a very comfortable life and to save money.

- There is a budget associated to this position (defined by the host institution) to buy research materials and pay field trips and trips to scientific meetings.

More information and applications

PostDoc - Geoscience (LA-ICP-MS and ICP-OES analysis)

The Department of Geology at Trinity College 

Dublin, Ireland

Deadline date: December 15th, 2013

Description

The Department of Geology at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, immediately seeks applicants for a postdoctoral fellowship in split-stream ICP-MS and ICP-OES UV-laser ablation applied to igneous processes and mineral mapping.

We are particularly interested in:

Developing spilt-stream LA-ICP-OES and MS analysis for effective micro-chemical mapping of geological materials; expand existing Iolite data reduction schemes to combine signals from the OES and MS; develop analytical protocols for LA-ICP-OES analysis of halogens in minerals and volcanic glass; to work towards 3D microchemical mapping.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability of ICP-MS data processing and a peer-reviewed publication record are advantageous. The Department has a newly installed Thermo iCAP Qs ICP-MS, is in the process of installing a Spectro ARCOS ICP-OES and operates a Photon Machines Analyte Excite ArF Excimer laser facility (http://www.tcd.ie/Geology/geochemfacility/). Completion of a PhD. is preferred, although highly qualified applicants nearing the end of a Ph.D. will be considered. Experience in LA-ICP-MS is essential.

More information and applications

Research Fellow in Computational Geophysics

University of Leeds

Leeds, United Kingdom

Closing Date: 27th November 2013

Description

The School has a strong international research profile in the geophysical sciences, with particular strengths in applied geophysics and seismology. You will work on a new project funded by the UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) - Radiation and the Environment (RATE) programme. RATE aims to make major contributions to enhancing environmental protection and safeguarding human health from releases of radioactivity from nuclear power plants, waste repositories and legacy-contaminated sites. Leeds is part of a consortium project entitled "Hydromechanical and biogeochemical processes in fractured rock masses in the vicinity of a geological disposal facility for radioactive waste". Your role will focus on forward modeling the effects of fractures on seismic wave propagation to inform survey designs for repositories. 

Requirements

You will have a PhD either in seismology, geophysics, physics, applied mathematics, engineering, or a closely related area. You should be familiar with elastic wave theory, mechanics of fractures, and numerical modelling techniques. Strong computer programming skills and prior development of numerical models will be a major asset. You will require good communication skills and the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team environment. You will be expected to publish research papers and to present your research at national and international meetings.

More information and applications

PhD - Geodynamics / Geomorphology / Atmosphere Dynamics

University of Grenoble

Grenoble, France

Description

As part of the iTECC Marie Curie Training Network (http://www.falw.vu/~itecc), we are looking to fill a fully funded 3 year PhD position in the field of computational geomorphology and/or atmospheric dynamics. The successful candidate will help Jean BRAUN (http://isterre.fr) at the University of Grenoble in France to develop and use a numerical model to simulate the interactions between erosion, climate and tectonics in the Himalayas. The main question that will be addressed is how the variability in rainfall along the Himalayan arc affects erosion and potentially feedback into tectonics, both at present and in the geological past.

A good background in numerical modeling or in the Earth Sciences but with a demonstrated ability in using and comprehending numerical models is essential. An MSc degree in a relevant domain of expertise obtained from an institution outside of France is necessary (see iTECC web site http://www.falw.vu/~itecc, for complete information).

iTECC's objectives include the training of scientists with the ability to contribute to multi-disciplinary research ranging from solid-Earth processes to climate, and apply their skills in academia and industry; the integration of research on present-day deformation with information from the geological record to understand how the lithosphere deforms; a significant improvement in the recovery and exploitation of tectonic, erosive, weathering and climatic records from sedimentary sequences; the evaluation of the impact of elevation and exhumation of the Himalayas on climate; the evaluation of the impact of climate, through erosion, on the tectonic evolution of the Himalayan orogen; and the validation of climate models, using them to verify the interconnections between tectonics and climate.

More Information and applications

PhD - Geology / Geophysics

University of Southampton

Southampton, United Kingdom

Description

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship supported by a Mayflower Scholarship in Ocean and Earth Science at the University of Southampton. Mayflower Scholarships provide full support of fees, student grant and some research support. The scholarship is available only to United Kingdom and European Union citizens. We are seeking a geology/geophysics graduate with a research interest that aligns with the research themes and staff interests in Ocean and Earth Science: 

http://www.southampton.ac.uk/oes/about/staff.page?groupBy=researchgroup#Geology and Geophysics.

Requirements

Applicants should have a good upper second or first class honours degree in Geology or Geophysics, are expected to engage in research in one of our internationally-leading groups and also to assist in the School's teaching programmes, acquiring a combination of research and teaching skills that are highly valued by both the academic research and education professional economies.

More information and applications

PhD - Changes in flood and drought in a changing climate

The Institute of Geophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences

Warsaw, Poland 

Description

The Institute of Geophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Hydrology and Hydrodynamics, Warsaw, Poland seeks highly motivated candidate for a PhD position "Identifying changes in flood and drought in a changing climate". The Institute of Geophysics Polish Academy of Sciences (IGF PAS) is a multidisciplinary organization engaged in advanced research, teaching and service provision in cutting-edge geophysical sciences and is one of the largest research centres in Poland working towards understanding and monitoring the environment. The Hydrology and Hydrodynamics department focuses on the transport and mixing of contaminants in surface waters, flood wave transformation and flood risk, water resources management, assessment of the impact of climate change from theoretical and experimental perspectives. 

The successful applicant will work with a team of researchers based in Poland and in Norway to advance our current understanding of likely changes in hydrological extremes under a future climate.The focus of the position will be on the use of simulated data derived from a series of linked climate and hydrological models and analyses. 

Requirements

We seek a candidate with an MSc degree in Environmental Sciences or Engineering, Geography, Hydrology, Applied Mathematics, Physics or Computer Science. Applicants with a methodological background should have experience in environmental applications, and vice versa. Experience in uncertainty analysis, programming (e.g. FORTRAN, R or MATLAB) are desirable. A good level of both written and spoken English, together with good communication skills are mandatory.

More information and applications

PostDoc - Geophysics and neotectonics

The Geological Survey of Norway (NGU)

Trondheim, Norway

Description

NGU is the central national institution for knowledge of bedrock, mineral resources, surface deposits, and groundwater of mainland Norway and of the near-surface geology of the Norwegian continental shelf. The Survey's tasks include geological, geophysical and geochemical mapping, development and maintenance of databases, research, information activities, and advice to governmental bodies and industry. NGU's staff of 220 includes representatives of 29 nationalities. 65% of the staff are scientists. For general information about NGU's organisation and mandate, see www.ngu.no

We offer a three-year postdoctoral fellowship is available at the Geological Survey of Norway. The position is linked to the research project 'Neotectonics in Nordland' (NEONOR2). The position is part of a project that will collect and analyse neotectonic data (geodetic, geophysical and geological) both on- and off-shore Nordland, northern Norway, with the aim of improving the understanding of underlying geological processes and assess the implications for petroleum exploration. The project is a collaboration between NGU, the Norwegian Mapping Authority, NORSAR, the universities of Bergen and Luleå, NORUT and the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate. It is funded by the Petromaks2 programme of the Norwegian Research Council, ten petroleum companies and the participating institutions. The postdoctoral fellow will adapt and use numerical techniques for a joint integration and inversion of geodetic (GPS and InSAR) strain-rate data with stress data from seismicity and borehole analysis. 

The postdoctoral fellow will be assigned to the Continental Shelf Geophysics team and work closely with scientists in the Geodynamics and Geohazards teams at NGU and in the participating institutions.

Requirements

The successful candidate should preferably have a background in geosciences or geodesy, ideally with experience in GPS, GIS and/or seismology. Experience with InSAR techniques will be considered an advantage. The applicant must have completed the Ph.D. education at the time the position starts (January 2014 or earlier).

The applicant should demonstrate the ability to work independently, as well as within a multidisciplinary team. Research staff is expected to exchange ideas and results with colleagues and are encouraged to participate at international conferences and publish scientific articles. A good knowledge and understanding of English is required, both oral and written.

More information and applications

PhD Position "Seismic Risks"

The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences

Postdam, Germany

Description

The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam is the national research centre for Earth sciences in Germany. With approx. 1100 employees, the GFZ is conducting interdisciplinary research on the "System Earth" and the influence of humans on the planet. As a member of the Helmholtz Association, it is part of Germany's largest science organization.

Within the framework of the project DESERVE (Dead Sea Research Venue), Section 2.1 "Physics of Earthquakes and Volcanoes", together with the GFZ Centre for Early Warning and in close cooperation with partners in Israel, Jordan and the Palestine territories, invites applications for a PhD Position "Seismic Risks" (m/f), Job Vacancy No. 50/2/13 D.

Tasks:

The aim of the PhD project is to address the comprehensive assessment of seismic risk for a set of selected test sites in the Dead Sea region.

The successful candidate is expected, with the help of the project team, to:

Produce an Exposure Model of selected test sites in the Dead Sea Region, by:

Collection and analysis of Satellite-based Medium Resolution Optical imagery

Analysis and description of social and structural elements of the test-sites exposed to seismic hazard

Collection of local information, including if possible direct in situ sampling via direct observation and imaging - collected information should also include socio-economic data to better model consequences

Integrate collected information with analysis of aleatory and epistemic uncertainties.

Produce a Vulnerability Model of the selected test sites, based on the exposure model achieved as for above point - this also entails connecting with local partners to collect specific information about seismic vulnerability of the residential building inventory.

- use the implemented exposure and vulnerability models to produce a preliminary seismic risk assessment study for the selected test sites, including the realization of a set of consequence scenarios for a selected set of earthquake events deemed compatible with the Dead-Sea region´s hazard estimates.

Requirements

Highly qualified candidates with academic education in seismology, geoengineering, geography or in related disciplines are invited to apply. The following qualifications will be considered as well in the candidate selection:

Good background in GIS and geographical data processing

Good background in digital remote sensing data processing and management.

Experience with spatially-enabled relational databases (e.g. postgreSQL/postgis).

Experience with seismic risk and vulnerability assessment.

Working experience with Dead Sea countries is a plus.

Willingness to work in an international and interdisciplinary environment, to travel to collaboration partners and to undertake field experiments.

The GFZ is a partner with Geo.X (www.geo-x.net), and as such it is well connected with other geoscience institutions in Potsdam und Berlin. Geo.X forms the largest regional cluster of geoscientific expertise in Europe and offers excellent opportunities for cooperation and development.

More information and applications

PostDoc - Astronomy and geophysics

Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur

Nice, France

Description

The Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur (OCA) offers a postdoctoral fellowship in various research areas related to astronomy and geophysics including: astrometry, coronography, gravitational waves, image and signal processing, observational cosmology, optical interferometry, planetary science, space geodesy, stellar astrophysics, turbulence and space plasmas, geochemistry, geochronology, marine geology, petrology, rock mechanics, seismology and tectonics. 

Requirements

Applicants must have obtained their PhD outside the OCA. Applications are reviewed internally, before a final selection by the Henri Poincaré Committee, comprising representatives of Conseil Général des Alpes-Maritimes, Académie des Sciences, Collège de France and funding agencies. The start date is between September 1, 2013 and December 1, 2014.

More information and applications