Marie-Curie Early Stage Researcher position: Modelling mass balance and stress transfer at the...

Area of research:

PHD Thesis

Job description:

The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam – GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for geosphere research. As a member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres we are part of the largest scientific organization in Germany. With approximately 1,300 employees our key mission is to secure a profound understanding of the systems and processes of solid Earth, to develop strategies and options for action in addressing global change and its impacts on a regional level, to understand natural hazards and to minimize associated risks, to ensure the sustainable provision of energy and raw materials for a high-tech society and to evaluate the influence of human activity on system Earth.

This position is one of the 15 Early Stage Researcher (ESR) positions within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks (ITN-ETN) IMPROVE project. IMPROVE is funded by the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action (MSCA). It can lead to a PhD, but not necessarily.

IMPROVE is a highly cooperative multi-disciplinary network of European Research Institutes and Small-Medium Enterprises. In IMPROVE, 15 Early Stage Researchers are trained to innovative research in volcano science extending across the academia-industry bridge, and including cooperative work, leadership skills, and independent thinking. Volcano science includes from innovative monitoring and prospecting to advanced laboratory experiments, High Performance Computing, and Artificial Intelligence. Two volcanic areas provide ideal cases for relevant scientific advance and training-through-research: Mount Etna in Sicily, one of the most monitored volcanoes in the world and the place where to extend our understanding of active volcano dynamics; and the Krafla caldera in Iceland, site of a large geothermal circulation system largely exploited for energy production, and of a shallow magmatic intrusion which is catalysing break-through research from all over the world. For further information on the project, please see: http://www.improve-etn.eu/ target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">

">www.improve-etn.eu

The objectives of this project are to deploy a network of several multi-parameter stations around the Krafla geothermal system, in North Iceland (gravity meter, broad-band seismometer, GPS, meteorological station, …) in order to determine subsurface mass and energy transfer from multi-parameter continuous signals; develop a model of mass (fluid) displacement in the hydrothermal reservoirs, so that the relative roles in mass and energy transfer of anthropogenic (injection/extraction) and natural sources can be deciphered. It is expected that the project will be developed in collaboration with other partners from IMPROVE, with exchange of information, data and knowledge. The successful candidate will benefit from the work performed by other ESR projects at Krafla and Etna volcano (Italy) and contribute to their project as well.

We welcome applications from candidates who fulfill the following criteria:

• A completed research-oriented university degree, such as a Master's degree or BSc Hons, in a Geosciences, Geophysics, Physics, or related disciplines


• Experience in academic or scientific environment


• A good command of English, both verbal and written


• Dedication and enthusiasm for research, combined with scientific curiosity, reliability and the capacity to teamwork in an interdisciplinary environment


• Experience with field work


• Demonstrate numerical modelling experience and ability and commitment to do so


• Strong programming ability (python, matlab, or any advanced language)


• Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary and international team


• Willingness to spend time in the field in Iceland under possibly harsh conditions


• Willingness for research visits of several weeks at partner institutions of IMPROVE

Please ensure that you fulfill the following eligibility criteria for ESR (Early Stage Researcher) positions in H2020 MSCA-ITNs, as ineligible candidates cannot be considered.

http://www.improve-etn.eu/index.php/2021/06/22/15-early-stage-researcher... target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">

">www.improve-etn.eu/index.php/2021/06/22/15-early-stage-researcher-positi...

The position will last for three years, starting from March 2022.

Who can apply? Candidates must meet the following requisites:

Be of any nationality, but not having resided or carried out their main activity (job, studies, …) in Germany for more than 1 year in the past 3 years.
Be within 4 years from the degree that in their country, or in the country of appointment, gives access to a PhD.
Not having completed a PhD at start of the contract. Current PhD students can apply.

• Integration in a versatile European Training network with dedicated workshops, research visits and high level of intellectual exchange with your peers and supervisors


• Dynamic, interdisciplinary and international research environment at the GFZ


• Close supervision and technical support

We offer a full-time position with 39 working hours per week. Salary depends on family status and will be around 2000€/month net.

The application deadline is 31st December 2021. Application evaluations will start immediately afterwards. We wish to reflect the diversity of society and we welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background. The selection will be exclusively based on qualification without regard to gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or age.

• A cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.


• A CV including relevant competences, skills and publication list, if applicable


• Copies of degree certificate(s) and transcripts of records for previous studies (Bachelor and/or Master). Please indicate expected date of graduation if your Master’s degree is not completed


• Contact information of two references

Please use our online application form at our website only.

Data handling: By applying to a PhD position, you agree that all data concerning your application may be stored electronically and distributed among the supervisors involved in the selection procedure within the MSCA ITN SPIN. If you do not agree, your application can not be processed further. The data are used solely for the recruitment process and we do not share information about you with any third party.In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Dr. Philippe Jousset via email at [email protected] . If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact Ms Buge under +49 (0)331-288-28787.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.