From susanne.buiter at rwth-aachen.de Sat Mar 21 02:56:32 2020 From: susanne.buiter at rwth-aachen.de (Buiter, Susanne) Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2020 15:56:32 +0000 Subject: [Geodynamics] Three-year postdoc position in numerical modelling of continental rifting Message-ID: Dear all, I hope the following position may be of interest to readers of this list (and apologies for duplicate postings). I am looking for someone interested in a postdoc position in numerical modelling of continental rifting. The position is initially for three years, but could possibly be extended. Please find more information on the position and how to apply below, and at the link, but a short description is that the position will focus on numerical experiments of the initial stages of continental rifting, aiming to investigate interplays between inheritance, rheology and plate tectonic setting. Development of new numerical software is explicitly foreseen. Some involvement in teaching and student supervision is expected. I am only happy to answer questions about the position and suggest e-mail (susanne.buiter at rwth-aachen.de) as initial contact. The phone number in the advertisement is not attended as i am in home office. Seeing the situation with corona, i expect to be conducting interviews online, but would like to reassure interested candidates that we will do what we can to provide them with relevant information about working at RWTH Aachen University and living in Aachen. Equally so is the proposed start date of 1 August not written in stone and will be something to work out together with the successful candidate while we adapt to these fast changing times. With best wishes, Susanne Buiter Postdoc in numerical modelling of continental rifting Unit for Tectonics and Geodynamics RWTH Aachen University Jobnumber: 31155, Institutskennziffer: 531220 https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/NAdjCMwGxOtxlAoAHwknAV?domain=rwth-aachen.de Our profile: The Unit for Tectonics and Geodynamics at RWTH Aachen uses numerical and analogue techniques to investigate causes and consequences of continental deformation processes. We are calling for applications for a three-year position as postdoctoral researcher. The position will focus on numerical experiments of the initial stages of continental rifting, aiming to investigate interplays between inheritance, rheology and plate tectonic setting. Development of new numerical software is explicitly foreseen. Some involvement in teaching and student supervision is expected. ? We can offer an inclusive work environment with unique scientific challenges and good opportunities for professional development. ? We offer support for presenting at (inter-)national conferences and for open access publication of results obtained during the postdoc appointment. ? The existing finite-element 2D/3D software SULEC (by Buiter and Ellis) is available to the postdoctoral researcher. Your profile: ? Applicants must have a doctorate/Ph.D. in Geosciences or equivalent. ? This position requires proven experience in setting up, running and evaluating thermomechanical numerical experiments of geodynamic processes (such as continental rifting, basin formation and inversion, and/or the formation of accretionary wedges). ? Experience in coding and/or developing numerical geodynamic software is a strong advantage. ? Applicants are expected to be able to work independently as well as collaborate across disciplines. ? Applicants must have completed their PhD at the time the position starts. ? Applicants should be able to express themselves fluently in English, written and orally. Your responsibilities: ? The successful applicant will use existing numerical software (such as SULEC) to conduct experiments on the initial stages of continental rifting, investigating the interplay between (structural and thermal) inheritance, lithosphere rheology, and the plate tectonic setting. ? The successful applicant is expected to develop new software for thermomechanical experiments, as teaching tools for BSc/MSc levels and/or as optimised towards 3D experiments. ? Close interaction with analogue experiments on continental rifting is a possibility. ? (Co-)supervision of Bachelor and Master students and some involvement in teaching is expected. ? Presentation of results at (inter-)national conferences and publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals is expected. We ask for a cover letter, a cv, a statement of research interest of maximum one page, and the contact details of three persons willing to write a reference (please note that we specifically not ask for reference letters at this stage). What we offer: The successful candidate will be employed as a regular employee or as a pubilc servant. The position is 3 years and to be filled by August 1, 2020. This is a full-time position. It is also available as part-time employment per request. The salary corresponds to level EG 13 TV-L. RWTH Aachen University is certified as a "Family-Friendly University". We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of gender. We particularly welcome and encourage applications from women, disabled persons and ethnic minority groups, recognizing they are underrepresented across RWTH Aachen University. The principles of fair and open competition apply and appointments will be made on merit. RWTH Aachen is an equal opportunities employer. We therefore ask you not to include a photo in your application. For information on the collection of personal data pursuant to Articles 13 and 14 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), please visit: https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/LoEwCNLJyQUVRGnGS4mWHd?domain=rwth-aachen.de Your contact person For further details, please contact Prof. Susanne Buiter Tel.: +49 (0) 241-8095723 Email: susanne.buiter at rwth-aachen.de Please send your application by April 27, 2020 to Prof. Susanne Buiter Angewandte Strukturgeologie RWTH Aachen Lochnerstr. 4-20 52064 Aachen, Germany You can also send your application via email to ged at ged.rwth-aachen.de. Please note, however, that communication via unencrypted e-mail poses a threat to confidentiality as it is potentially vulnerable to unauthorized access by third parties. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From spenchristoph at gmail.com Tue Mar 10 07:30:20 2020 From: spenchristoph at gmail.com (Chris Spencer) Date: Tue, 10 Mar 2020 09:30:20 +1300 Subject: [Geodynamics] Postdoc in Geodynamics and Geoselenics Message-ID: Dear all, Please see below a Postdoctoral Fellowship as part of the newly established Stephen Cheeseman Geoselenic Research Project hosted by the Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering at Queen?s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. The Stephen Cheeseman Geoselenic Research Project was established in 2020 to address fundamental questions about the interactions within the Earth-Moon system. The project will focus on the integration of multi-disciplinary research as it pertains to improving our understanding of the relevance of the Moon for Earth processes including plate tectonics, core and mantle convection/geochemistry, magnetohydrodynamics, the geodynamo and the evolution and future of life on Earth. The project is collaborative in nature and will give the postdoctoral fellow (PDF) opportunities to continue existing and establish new collaborations with international research groups in geodynamics and planetary sciences. The PDF is expected to conduct original research within the scope of this project and serve as an integrator of geoselenic research. Preference will be given to applicants that demonstrate a willingness to conduct integrative research to solve fundamental science questions. The research background can be theoretical, numerical or applied, but must address global scale processes. The project will further fund one PhD student and host an international workshop in geoselenic research during the tenure of the PDF. Attached is further information about the PDF position. Inquiries about the Stephen Cheeseman Geoselenic Research Project or details about the position can be requested from Prof. Vicki Remenda (vicki.remenda at queensu.ca) or Prof. Alexander Braun (braun at queensu.ca). Best regards, Chris __________________ Christopher J Spencer Assistant Professor Tectonochemistry and Geodynamics Miller 229, 36 Union St Queen?s University Kingston, ON, Canada K7L 3N6 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: PostDoc_GeoselenicResearch_QueensUniversityMarch2020.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 87707 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From m.ballmer at ucl.ac.uk Sat Mar 21 22:27:26 2020 From: m.ballmer at ucl.ac.uk (Ballmer, Maxim) Date: Sat, 21 Mar 2020 11:27:26 +0000 Subject: [Geodynamics] PhD studentship at UCL: "Numerical modeling of Mantle Dynamics, Evolution and Compositional structure" In-Reply-To: References: , Message-ID: Dear all, if anyone of you is aware of a suitable candidate for a PhD studentship in geodynamics at UCL (London), please let me know, or point the candidate in this direction: https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/tJDCCVARKgC0Yo6qsGjSf3?domain=earthworks-jobs.com or this one: https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/AueXCWLVXkUzVmKrfxdMAC?domain=jupiter.ethz.ch As usual, a MSc in a related field, enthusiasm for the Earth and Planetary Sciences, as well as good skills/interest/talent in mathematics/physics and programming are required. More details can be found under the links above, or appended below. One caveat involves that the full tuition can only be covered for candidates with EU/UK passports. Salary will be at the relevant RCUK rate (i.e., usual salary for London PhD students). Hope all is well for everybody these days. Cheers, Maxim ............................................................. Maxim D. Ballmer ?????? Asst. Professor @ Univ. College London, Dept. Earth Sciences office: KLB 341, Gower Place, WC1E 6BT London Visiting Scientist @ Inst. Geophysics, ETH Zurich office: NO H 9.3, 5, CH-8092 Zurich https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/NLRfCXLW2mUBWoREtDTPIU?domain=jupiter.ethz.ch ................................................................................................................................................ Numerical modeling of Earth (and planetary) mantle dynamics, evolution and compositional structure The Dept. of Earth Sciences at UCL can offer one PhD studentship in the field of geodynamics. The start date is not fixed, but the preferred start date will be in autumn 2020. There is some freedom in the choice of research topics, but the main theme should overlap with the research interests of the main advisor, Dr. Maxim Ballmer (also see his website https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/NLRfCXLW2mUBWoREtDTPIU?domain=jupiter.ethz.ch). Three example projects are explained in detail below, but Maxim?s research interests also involve, e.g., the long-term evolution of terrestrial planets (e.g. Mars, Moon, Exoplanets), and Earth?s asthenospheric dynamics (and its geophysical signals). Maxim is particularly keen to quantitatively compare geodynamic model predictions with geophysical and geochemical data. In any project, including the three examples below, there will be at least one co-advisor from UCL, and potentially several collaborators UK- and worldwide. The project is fully funded for UK/EU applicants for three years at the normal RCUK rate (?17,428 in 2020/21). Tuition will be covered for at least three years (for UK/EU applicants). Applicants require to have (by the time of starting) a Masters level degree (either undergraduate or postgraduate) in Geology, Geophysics, Physics, or a closely related field and an enthusiasm to work in computational geophysics. Good programming skills in Matlab/Python/C/Fortran or a similar language, as well as familiarity with LINUX operating systems, are highly beneficial. Contact: Dr. Maxim Ballmer, m.ballmer ucl.ac.uk The seismic signals of the heterogeneous Earth mantle Geophysical imaging of the Earth?s deep interior, and hence our understanding of present-day mantle structure and long-term evolution, is subject to fundamental limitations. For example, the deep mantle is interrogated by Earthquake-generated sound waves through seismic tomography, but the true resolution of any releated tomography model is limited to 10s-100s km. On the other hand, geochemical data has little-to-no spatial resolution power. Based on such limited information, the mantle has been suggested to be anything between a rather well-mixed ?marble cake? of recycled mafic (basaltic) and ultramafic (harzburgitic) heterogeneities, or a poorly-mixed ?plum pudding? with prevalent blobs of ancient material [Ballmer et al., 2015, 2017]. Within uncertainties in terms of mantle material properties and initial condition, both these scenarios are viable and can be reproduced by numerical models of mantle convection. In this project, we will quantitatively test the predictions of such godynamic models by comparison with seismic data. While comparison of geodynamic model predictions with seismic tomography models is performed routinely (but subject to intrinsic limitations), we will focus on direct comparison with data. This approach will involve forward-modeling of a huge dataset of synthetic waveforms [Nissen-Meyer et al., 2014], and application of a machine-learning technique (to be newly developed) in order to compare these synthetic waveforms with real seismograms. Such an integrated geodynamic-seismological effort will serve to quantify, and potentially distinguish, the geophysical signals of the marble-cake vs. plum-pudding mantles. Material cycles through the Earth's mantle set up life-sustainable conditions on the surface. Geophysical imaging of the mantle and geodynamic modeling provide two avenues to study mantle structure and evolution, and thus to better understand planetary habitability in general. This project aims to quantitatively integrate these two complementary approaches. citations: https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/HEuRCYW8Nockw2qVHVB9Bv?domain=doi.org, https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/xZCrCZY1NqiP09LKIxZ9Jr?domain=doi.org, https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/Wtd8C1WLPxcnlNoJU1HSxK?domain=doi.org Potential collaborators: Ana Ferreira, CSML, John Brodholt (UCL), Tarje Nissen-Meyer (Univ. Oxford), Paula Koelemeijer (RHUL), Paul Tackley (ETH) The initial condition for the long-term evolution of terrestrial planets Early in their history, terrestrial planets evolve through stages of large-scale melting, or magma oceans, due to the energy release during accretion and differentiation. Any magma ocean is thought to become progressively enriched in FeO and incompatible elements during fractional crystallization. The resulting upwards enrichment of the cumulate (=crystal) package(s) drives gravitational over-turn(s) of the incipiently solid mantle, and ultimately stabilizes a FeO-enriched molten layer at the core-mantle boundary (CMB), or ?basal magma ocean? (BMO). The BMO itself will freeze by fractional crystallization, ultimately stabilizing a thick FeO-enriched layer at the CMB. Such a layer, however, would be too dense to be entrained by mantle convection, a scenario that is ruled out by geophysical observations, at least for Earth. In this project, we will investigate the consequences of a previously neglected mechanism, BMO reactive crystallization, on long-term planetary evolution. Reaction is driven by chemical disequilibrium between the mantle and BMO. The related BMO reactive cumulates should range from Mg-enriched bridgmanite (MgSiO3) to FeO-enriched pyrolite, but the detailed compositions will be calculated using available thermodynamic models. The long-term thermochemical evolution of the mantle (e.g., fate of the cumulate package) will be addressed by geodynamic modeling. The predicted thermochemical mantle structures will be compared to lower-mantle seismic signature of Earth, using available constraints for physical properties of mantle materials at high pressure-temperature conditions. Finally, results will be applied to terrestrial planets in general. Such an effort is expected to yield systematic relationships between planet mass/composition, deep-mantle structure and long-term thermal evolution. On Earth, long-term material cycles through the mantle set up life-sustainable conditions at the surface. This cycling is controlled by the initial condition after planetary accretion and differentiation. Indeed, studying mantle evolution is key to understand the conditions for habitability, and gauge the potential for extraterrestrial life in our galaxy. citations: https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/Xyc7C3QNPBi7OzlDSElscA?domain=doi.org, https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/xZCrCZY1NqiP09LKIxZ9Jr?domain=doi.org, https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/j35oC4QOPEiYqKO4i3LaXB?domain=doi.org Potential collaborators: Ana Ferreira, John Brodholt, Dave Dobson, Andy Thomson (UCL); Oliver Shorttle (Cambridge); John Hernlund, Christine Hernlund (ELSI, Tokyo Tech); Kei Hirose (ELSI, Tokyo Tech; Univ. Tokyo); Razvan Caracas (ENS Lyon) The dynamics of mantle plumes, and their geophysical and geochemical expressions While magmatic activity along plate boundaries is well explained by plate-tectonic theory, the expressions of intraplate volcanism may inform about deep-mantle processes. Mantle upwellings, or ?plumes?, are thought to sustain major intraplate volcanism at oceanic hotspots, but the explicit upwelling dynamics as well as the chemistry of materials carried that are by plumes remain poorly understood. For example, a range of plume parameters can account for geophysical observations such as hotspot swell geometry or distribution of volcanism [Ballmer et al., 2011, 2013]. In this project, we will explore the dynamics of plumes as a function of the composition and properties of these materials using 3D numerical models of mantle convection. Model predictions in terms of the geophysical expression of plumes (seismic tomography, dynamic topography, ?) and geochemical signatures of ocean-island basalts (major-element and trace-element signatures) will be compared to observations such as for the Hawaiian Islands or Iceland hotspots. Incorporation of multiple datasets, including those from geochemistry, is critical to put constraints on plume upwelling dynamics [e.g., Ballmer et al., 2011]. Such an integrated approach will exploit the coupled controls of plume composition on both upwelling dynamics and lava chemistry, and hence provide new quantitative constraints on the structure of mantle plumes, and thus on the make-up of the plume-source region near the core-mantle boundary [Weis et al., 2011]. While volcanism along plate boundaries reflects surficial tectonic processes, the study of intraplate volcanism helps to understand mantle structure, composition and evolution. Mantle plumes feed intraplate hotspots, transporting heat and volatiles from the deep mantle. Indeed, long-term material cycles through the Earth's mantle stabilize life-sustainable conditions at the surface. citations: https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/uClRC5QPXJig2L7kH97_Pe?domain=doi.org, https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/8AJjC6XQ4LfVqYvLtvDOSY?domain=doi.org, https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/88QYC71R2NTEw1KGSP3Ykv?domain=doi.org Potential collaborators: Ana Ferreira, John Brodholt, Dave Dobson, Andy Thomson (UCL); Kate Rychert (Univ. Southampton); Lara Kalnins (Univ. Edinburgh); Oliver Shorttle (Cambridge); Mark Hoggard (Harvard); Antonio M.-C. Cordoba (ETH) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From maria.seton at sydney.edu.au Fri Mar 27 10:50:43 2020 From: maria.seton at sydney.edu.au (Maria Seton) Date: Thu, 26 Mar 2020 23:50:43 +0000 Subject: [Geodynamics] PhD scholarship opportunity at the University of Sydney Message-ID: <58D2C050-4864-4B3C-9BB2-2DB7718F8AE2@contoso.com> Hi all, There is a fantastic scholarship available for Australian citizens/permanent residents from a rural area to enroll in a PhD at the University of Sydney. The EarthByte Group (https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/UXatCk81N9tqwzQxt2_a4U?domain=earthbyte.org) in the School of Geosciences has some exciting PhD opportunities in the fields of: ? marine geology and geophysics ? plate motions ? geodynamics ? surface process modelling ? continental margin and basin evolution ? data science and machine learning Details of scholarship below: Denis and Erika Pidcock PhD Scholarship This scholarship aims to financially support a student from rural or remote Australia to study a PhD in the Faculty of Science. This scholarships is valued at up to $175,000 and consists of: * $40,000 per annum (fixed rate) for up to three and a half years * $10,000 per annum for three years for ancillary costs including administrative and operational costs (travel, laboratory materials, samples and equipment) * $5000 to cover travel and relocation costs. Who's eligible * be an Australian citizen or permanent resident * be from an inner regional, outer regional, remote or rural area of Australia (as defined by the Australian Statistical Geographical Classification-Remoteness Area) * have an offer of admission to study full-time in a PhD in the Faculty of Science * not hold a scholarship that provides a primary stipend allowance. * Closing date: 18 May 2020 * Further details: https://www.sydney.edu.au/scholarships/d/denis-and-erika-pidcock-phd-scholarship.htm If you are interested, feel free to contact a relevant academic in the EarthByte Group https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/qkN_Clx1NjizMNZQU96ca7?domain=earthbyte.org or contact me in the first instance. Best wishes to everyone. Cheers, Maria DR MARIA SETON | ARC Future Fellow EarthByte Group | School of Geosciences | Faculty of Science THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY Rm 400, Madsen Building F09 | The University of Sydney | NSW | 2006 T +61 2 9351 4255 | F +61 2 9351 2442 E maria.seton at sydney.edu.au | W https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/q0xvCmO5gluRMNnOiBdMiZ?domain=sydney.edu.au Twitter: @SetonMaria Google Scholar | Research Gate CRICOS 00026A This email plus any attachments to it are confidential. Any unauthorised use is strictly prohibited. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and any attachments. Please think of our environment and only print this e-mail if necessary. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: