Jobs, jobs, jobs! Some interesting job offers for earthquake/tectonics people

Several interesting jobs are currently vacant for earthquake geology scientists, from PhD positions to professorships.

PhD position in Durham – Earthquake dynamics in carbonatic rocks: constraints from laboratory experiments

See https://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/earth.sciences/postgraduate/Nielsen2014.pdf for all information.

PhD position in Durham – Identifying slow deformation processes preceding dynamic failure by combining microseismic monitoring of an active rockfall at Madonna del Sasso (VB), Italy and rock deformation laboratory experiments.

See http://www.iapetus.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IAP_13_01-BGS-Vinciguerra.pdf for all information.

PhD position in Durham – Laboratory Earthquakes

See http://www.iapetus.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IAP_13_37-DUR-Nielsen.pdf for all information.

PhD in Helsinki – Doctoral student (3 years funding)

What controls strain partitioning at obliquely convergent ocean-continent margins? 3D dynamics of crustal deformation along the western Andean margin

This project includes funding for a doctoral student and part-time research assistant to study the fundamental tectonic process of strain partitioning at obliquely convergent ocean-continent margins. The primary controls on strain partitioning behavior will be determined using fully 3D thermomechanical numerical experiments of oceanic subduction and continental deformation. Experimental geometries will be based on the western margin of the South American Andes, where variable strain partitioning occurs along the strike of the mountain system, and results will be compared to observed fault geometries and displacements, seismic activity and geochronologic data. Understanding strain partitioning processes is important, not only for advancing our understanding of plate tectonics, but also because subduction plate margins have potential for deadly, destructive megathrust earthquakes. Thus, deeper knowledge of strain partitioning processes may contribute to future assessment of seismic risk in these regions. The doctoral student will have a chance to work with modern research tools in an exciting geologic region, participate in international research meetings, visit an internationally renowned research group in Canada and co-supervise a research assistant. The formal application period for this project will open in early 2014. For now, interested students should send a copy of their C.V. and the contact information for two references to Prof. Whipp as soon as possible. Students must have completed a master’s degree in either geology, geophysics, physics or a related field prior to being accepted as a doctoral student at the University of Helsinki.

Postdoctoral researcher in Helsinki

What controls deformation in a ‘bent’ 3D orogen? The effects of spatially variable rock strength, erosion and mass transport on the tectonics of the Bolivian Andes

Uplift of large convergent mountain systems like the Himalaya and Andes primarily results from tectonic plate convergence, but their topography and geometry is the result of the interactions between tectonics and climate-modulated erosion. Understanding the interactions between climate and the basic geodynamic processes that control orogen geometry is important because these regions have major seismic risks and significant water resources, but also because they serve as modern analogs to deeply eroded ancient orogens, such as the Svecofennian orogen in Finland, with more limited geologic evidence of orogenic processes. Along the eastern margin of the Bolivian orocline region in Andes, the orientation of the mountain front and major tectonic structures rotates ~50° from northern Bolivia to southern Bolivia and the width of the orogen east of the plateau doubles. These changes are coincident with a large decrease in regional precipitation and an increase in the thickness of weak rock layers that underlie the actively deforming Subandean fold-and- thrust belt, suggesting they may control the mountain belt width. Furthermore, this region is thought to experience orogen-parallel mass transport away from the orocline core as a result of 3D oblique convergence within the orocline, which may also affect orogen width.

This project addresses the question what controls the width of a 3D orocline with along-strike variations in climate and rock strength? In a significant advance from previous 2D or simplified 3D modeling studies, fully 3D numerical geodynamic models of generic oroclines will be used to determine the influence of climate-modulated erosion, variable rock strength and 3D deformation on the along-strike width of an orogen. Results will be integrated with available field observations, remote sensing data and 3D tectonic reconstructions, and applied to interpret the recent history of the Bolivian orocline region of the Andes. The postdoctoral researcher trained in this project will conduct the numerical experiments and travel to actively collaborate with project partners at the University of Pittsburgh, USA and University of Bergen, Norway.

 

Postdoc and PhD Positions in Integrated Climate, Tectonics, and Surface Processes Research, Tübingen, Germany

The Earth System Dynamics research group at the University of Tübingen, Germany, announces 4 PhD and 2 Postdoctoral positions associated with a new European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator project.  The project is titled “EXTREME: EXtreme Tectonics and Rapid Erosion in Mountain Environments” and investigates the interactions between paleoclimate, surface processes, and 3D subduction geometry at orogen syntaxes in the Himalaya, St. Elias Range (Alaska), Cascadia (Washington State), and Andes (Chile, Peru). Candidates with interests in one or more of the following 6 positions should apply:

1.     Atmospheric general circulation modeling of paleoclimate during mountain topographic evolution.

2.     3D thermomechanical and surface process modeling of lithospheric deformation and erosion.

3-4. Cosmogenic nuclide determination of catchment erosion rates in the Cascadia and South American margins.

5-6. Fission track and (U-Th)/He thermochronometer determination of exhumation in the Cascadia and South American margins.

The research team will work together to quantify the deformation and erosion history of the study areas and the atmospheric, erosional, and geodynamic controls on their evolution. State of the art facilities for thermochronology, cosmogenic isotopes, and high performance cluster computing are available for the project.

Requirements for applicants are written and spoken fluency in English and completion of an MSc degree (for PhD applicants) or Doctorate/PhD (for Postdoc applicants) prior to appointment. The start date for all positions is between April 1 and Oct. 1, 2014. Proficiency in Spanish or German is beneficial, but not required. Good physical condition and field experience are recommended for persons interested in thermochronology and cosmogenic isotope positions. Appointments are for 1 year and renewable for up to 4 years. Salaries are competitive and at the German TV-E13 level (50% or higher for PhD students, ~100% for Postdocs).

Application materials should include: a CV and list of prior publications (if any), a 1-2 page cover letter with a statement of research interests, and contact information for three referees familiar with the candidate’s research. Application materials should be sent as a single PDF file and in English. Questions concerning this position should be directed to Prof. Todd Ehlers at todd.ehlers@uni-tuebingen.de. Additional information about the Earth System Dynamics research group is available at: www.geo.uni-tuebingen.de/esdynamicsApplications should be submitted by February 6, 2014. 

Tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor rank, California State University, Sacramento

The Geology Department in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at California State University, Sacramento invites applications for a geophysicist with field-based research interests and strong skills in geologic mapping. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in geology by August 2014. Proficiency in seismology, geodesy, remote sensing, active tectonics, oil or mineral exploration, hydrogeology, geodynamics, aeromagnetic or gravity studies is a plus. The successful candidate will embrace the opportunity to teach general education courses to a diverse student population, conduct a field-based research program that involves undergraduate and graduate geology students, and be a fully engaged participant in a small, collegial department. Enthusiasm and a commitment to teaching and mentoring are essential. This is a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor rank, beginning August 2014. Screening of applications will begin January 16, 2014. For the full vacancy announcement, please visit http://www.csus.edu/hr/facultyvacancies/vacancies.html

Assistant Professor at the University of Texas, El Paso

The Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) announces a tenure-track faculty position to conduct original research and strengthen existing expertise in the fields of geophysics, tectonics, environmental sciences, and petroleum geology.

A Ph.D. in the geosciences or closely related discipline is required. The successful candidate will be expected to establish a funded research program, to mentor undergraduate and graduate students in research, and to teach introductory earth science as well as higher-level courses in the candidate’s specialty.

Review of applications will begin on Dec. 1, 2013, and will continue until the position is filled. Anticipated appointment date is Fall 2014. Applications must be submitted electronically via email in a single PDF document with “Faculty Position Application: YOUR NAME” in the subject line. Complete applications will consist of a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae, complete contact information for at least three references, a statement of teaching, and a statement of research. Applications should be submitted to: Dr. Aaron A. Velasco, Chair of the Search Committee, Geological Sciences, Email: aavelasco@utep.edu

 

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Christoph Grützner

Christoph Grützner

works at the Institute of Geological Sciences, Jena University. He likes Central Asia and the Mediterranean and looks for ancient earthquakes.

See all posts Christoph Grützner

1 Comment

  • DONGMO wamba mathurin | 2014-02-16|18:06 (UTC)

    I’m an assistant researcher working in the institute for geological and mining research/Branch for geophysical and volcanological research , which is in charge to monitor the mount Cameroon volcano,I would like to have a scholarships in this areas to follow my PhD,I’m holder of master in physics, i’m looking forward to hearing from you

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