Dear all,
we can offer two numerical modeling positions (short summaries below) in our new Marie Curie Network TALENTS. Both positions have a strong modeling component using ASPECT. Previous numerical modeling experience would be great but is not necessarily required.
It would be great if you could let potential candidates know. If you are interested yourself, don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. The application deadline is 15th of March and the starting date is in summer this year.
Link to application portal: Projects - TALENTS
Thanks and all the best,
Sascha
Position 1: Numerical modelling of failed and successful continental rifts (Doctoral student, 3 years)
We are seeking applications for a doctoral project that addresses the question why some rifts fail (North Sea or Atlas rift) or almost fail (Norwegian margin), whereas others are successful in breaking a continent (West Iberia and other Atlantic margins). The doctoral candidate will use the geodynamic finite-element software ASPECT to identify factors and processes that control rift success, working from the hypothesis that this is a scale-dependent optimization problem. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional forward models will be conducted incorporating latest insights on lithospheric rheology and fault strength. The numerical predictions are combined with structural observations on fault patterns to obtain fundamental insights into the conditions that lead to rift failure or success.
Embedded in GFZ’s Section 2.5 “Geodynamic Modelling”, the doctoral candidate will be jointly supervised by Susanne Buiter, Sascha Brune and Christopher Jackson.
Position 2: Geodynamic effects on fault criticality in a geothermally prospective rift system of the Rhine Graben (Doctoral student, 3 years)
We are seeking applications for a doctoral project that addresses the question of how large-scale and small-scale tectonics interact to affect the dynamic and largely fault-controlled variations in the geothermal potential across the Rhine Graben rift system. This project aims to quantify past and present stress state and strain (rate) fields of the Rhine Graben rift as a result of the interaction of tectonic forces with the region’s inherited lithological and fault structure. To assess the role that the geodynamic setting plays for the subsurface heat and fluid flow, we will integrate lithospheric-scale, geological, seismic, gravity data constrained 3D structural models and tectonic boundary conditions derived from the kinematic history of the lithospheric plate into coupled 3D thermo-hydraulic-mechanical (THM) process simulations.
Embedded in GFZ’s Section 4.5 “Subsurface Process Modelling”, the doctoral candidate will be jointly supervised by Judith Bott and Sascha Brune.