A new opportunity has opened in the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Florida (UF) to undertake an ambitious and innovative program of doctoral research that focuses on improving the global mapping of 3D density anomalies in Earth’s mantle by jointly inverting global seismic and geodynamic data sets and modelling the implications for mantle dynamics. This PhD project will be supervised by Alessandro Forte at UF and will be carried out in collaboration with Stephen Grand at the Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin. The PhD candidate will participate in a strong collaborative network that spans several institutions and cultures, in Florida, Texas, Montreal (Canada) and Paris (France).
This project will involve the determination of new maps of 3D density anomalies in Earth’s mantle by jointly inverting seismic and geodynamic data sets, where the latter are interpreted using mantle flow models that incorporate 3D variations in mantle viscosity and phase-boundary undulations. The new global density models will be used to explore the implications for time-dependent global geoid anomalies and Earth rotation dynamics. This project will provide an exciting opportunity to participate in an advanced, multidisciplinary effort that leads to a comprehensive understanding of the global-scale internal dynamics of our planet. The PhD candidate will acquire experience in state-of-the-art high-performance computational methods and advanced theoretical tools needed to address outstanding questions in geodynamics.
Qualifications and Conditions: The successful PhD candidate should possess a recent MSc degree in a subject related to the project described above. A strong background in geophysics and/or physics, and mathematics is expected and experience with computer programming languages is highly desired. Fluency or a strong competence in English, both oral and in written, is also a necessity. The PhD candidate will receive a starting stipend of $26,780 per annum, subject to approval for enrolment in the graduate program at UF. The starting date for the PhD appointment is January 2020. Full details regarding the application process are available at the following web address: https://tinyurl.com/y5eval6u
As noted in the above link, all on-line applications should include: (i) three letters of recommendation, (ii) a two-page personal motivation essay, (iii) official course transcripts, (iv) official GRE scores, (v) TOEFL scores, for students whose native language is not English. In addition, please send an up-to-date CV directly to Professor Alessandro Forte (forte@ufl.edu) who can provide further background information regarding the PhD project.