Currently we seek to fill three new Ph.D. positions in our team. The Ph.D. research projects emphasize quantitative modelling as a means to better understand solid earth processes, particularly subduction and collision of Arabia/Eurasia including Turkey, subduction and plate tearing at the North Caribbean plate boundary, and formation and evolution of plate boundaries.
Qualifications: We seek outstanding individuals with a recent MSc or equivalent degree, who can demonstrate an excellent background in mathematics and physics, and specifically continuum mechanics. Proficiency in at least one modern computer language is a necessity. Experience with tools for the numerical solution of partial differential equations is appreciated. The successful candidate is able to demonstrate an interest in Earth processes and in geophysical and geological observations. She/he communicates easily in English, both verbally and in writing.
Terms of employment: Successful candidates will be offered a full-time Ph.D. position for a period of four years, with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate. Conditions are based on the Collective Employment Agreement of the Dutch Universities. The gross monthly salary starts at € 1933 in the first year and increases to € 2472 in the fourth year and is supplemented by a holiday allowance of 8% per year and a year-end bonus of 3%. We also offer a pension scheme, a health insurance allowance and flexible employment conditions. The PhD candidates will be based at the Department of Earth Sciences of the Faculty of Geosciences.
Project 1. Formation and evolution of plate boundaries (THIS POSITION IS FILLED!)
Fundamental to the plate tectonics concept is that deformation is concentrated along plate boundaries. Focus of this project is to explore how plate boundaries evolve from small flaws in rocks to the translithospheric fault zones that constitute plate boundaries. This is a pivotal ingredient to understand major processes like initiation of subduction or the ongoing evolution of the North Anatolian Fault Zone in Turkey. The first challenge is to take newly established microphysical rheological laws to the (geological) field scale, and to validate these predictions with observations. This project uniquely combines fundamental research of the rheology of rocks with computational science and field observations.
Project 2. Geodynamics of the North Caribbean plate boundary New evidence has emerged that the plate boundary between the Caribbean and North America is currently undergoing a major change; plate breaking near Puerto Rico add to the significant potential for devastating earthquakes and tsunamis of this plate boundary. Focus of this project is to use state of the art numerical models to combine new observations on the structure (tomography), surface velocities (GPS). Purpose is to explore and understand how processes in the deep earth drive crustal deformation on time scales ranging from a few years (important to hazard) to millions of years (important for geology). This international collaborative project integrates our expertise on quantitative modeling and geodynamic processes with regional knowledge of specialist from Woods Hole and Purdue. Work visits of the Ph.D. student to the U.S.A. are therefore anticipated.
Project 3. Geodynamic evolution of the Aegean Anatolian Bitlis/Zagros convergent plate boundary. The collision of the Africa Arabian and Eurasian plates has led to the formation of the land locked basin setting which has controlled the subsequent evolution of the Mediterranean region. The long term convergence of the two major plates was accompanied by large scale accretion of continental blocks and fragments, as well as of oceanic fragments in the form of ophiolites. In the Aegean region extension started already during ongoing subduction and accretion in the Eocene, whereas in the Anatolian region the post collisional phase is characterized by the development (in ML. Miocene) of the North Anatolian Fault, along which Anatolia is extruded in westerly direction. In this project, focus is on the lithospheric scale dynamics of the Oligocene/Miocene to Recent evolution of the Aegean/Anatolian plate boundary region starting from the Bitlis/Zagros collision. Specific elements are subduction zone evolution, lithospheric stress field and deformation. Our approach centers around numerical modelling in combination with geological, geodetical and geophysical (in particular seismological) data.
How to apply:
Applications, including curriculum vitae and the names and addresses of two referees, must be sent to:
Faculty of Geosciences - Personnel Department, attn. Ms. F. Hajar
PO Box 80115, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands
or submitted by e-mail to: peno@geo.uu.nl.
Please mention where you originally saw our advertisement and quote the vacancy number 72063 in all communications. The positions are open until filled.
Further details: For more information contact prof.dr. Rinus Wortel, tel. +31 (0)30 2535074, email: wortel@geo.uu.nl or dr. Rob Govers, tel. +31 (0)30 2534985, email govers@geo.uu.nl.
Qualifications: We seek outstanding individuals with a recent MSc or equivalent degree, who can demonstrate an excellent background in mathematics and physics, and specifically continuum mechanics. Proficiency in at least one modern computer language is a necessity. Experience with tools for the numerical solution of partial differential equations is appreciated. The successful candidate is able to demonstrate an interest in Earth processes and in geophysical and geological observations. She/he communicates easily in English, both verbally and in writing.
Terms of employment: Successful candidates will be offered a full-time Ph.D. position for a period of four years, with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate. Conditions are based on the Collective Employment Agreement of the Dutch Universities. The gross monthly salary starts at € 1933 in the first year and increases to € 2472 in the fourth year and is supplemented by a holiday allowance of 8% per year and a year-end bonus of 3%. We also offer a pension scheme, a health insurance allowance and flexible employment conditions. The PhD candidates will be based at the Department of Earth Sciences of the Faculty of Geosciences.
Project 1. Formation and evolution of plate boundaries (THIS POSITION IS FILLED!)
Fundamental to the plate tectonics concept is that deformation is concentrated along plate boundaries. Focus of this project is to explore how plate boundaries evolve from small flaws in rocks to the translithospheric fault zones that constitute plate boundaries. This is a pivotal ingredient to understand major processes like initiation of subduction or the ongoing evolution of the North Anatolian Fault Zone in Turkey. The first challenge is to take newly established microphysical rheological laws to the (geological) field scale, and to validate these predictions with observations. This project uniquely combines fundamental research of the rheology of rocks with computational science and field observations.
Project 2. Geodynamics of the North Caribbean plate boundary New evidence has emerged that the plate boundary between the Caribbean and North America is currently undergoing a major change; plate breaking near Puerto Rico add to the significant potential for devastating earthquakes and tsunamis of this plate boundary. Focus of this project is to use state of the art numerical models to combine new observations on the structure (tomography), surface velocities (GPS). Purpose is to explore and understand how processes in the deep earth drive crustal deformation on time scales ranging from a few years (important to hazard) to millions of years (important for geology). This international collaborative project integrates our expertise on quantitative modeling and geodynamic processes with regional knowledge of specialist from Woods Hole and Purdue. Work visits of the Ph.D. student to the U.S.A. are therefore anticipated.
Project 3. Geodynamic evolution of the Aegean Anatolian Bitlis/Zagros convergent plate boundary. The collision of the Africa Arabian and Eurasian plates has led to the formation of the land locked basin setting which has controlled the subsequent evolution of the Mediterranean region. The long term convergence of the two major plates was accompanied by large scale accretion of continental blocks and fragments, as well as of oceanic fragments in the form of ophiolites. In the Aegean region extension started already during ongoing subduction and accretion in the Eocene, whereas in the Anatolian region the post collisional phase is characterized by the development (in ML. Miocene) of the North Anatolian Fault, along which Anatolia is extruded in westerly direction. In this project, focus is on the lithospheric scale dynamics of the Oligocene/Miocene to Recent evolution of the Aegean/Anatolian plate boundary region starting from the Bitlis/Zagros collision. Specific elements are subduction zone evolution, lithospheric stress field and deformation. Our approach centers around numerical modelling in combination with geological, geodetical and geophysical (in particular seismological) data.
How to apply:
Applications, including curriculum vitae and the names and addresses of two referees, must be sent to:
Faculty of Geosciences - Personnel Department, attn. Ms. F. Hajar
PO Box 80115, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands
or submitted by e-mail to: peno@geo.uu.nl.
Please mention where you originally saw our advertisement and quote the vacancy number 72063 in all communications. The positions are open until filled.
Further details: For more information contact prof.dr. Rinus Wortel, tel. +31 (0)30 2535074, email: wortel@geo.uu.nl or dr. Rob Govers, tel. +31 (0)30 2534985, email govers@geo.uu.nl.
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