PhD student position in Geophysics

7 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Iceland

Department

The Institute of Earth Sciences

Research Field

Physics

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Iceland

Application Deadline

15 Mar 2024 - 23:59 (Atlantic/Reykjavik)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Applications are invited for a PhD student position in Geophysics, focusing on analysis of volcano-tectonic seismicity and its physical interpretation. This project, funded by the Icelandic Research Fund (IRF) for three years, covers both the PhD student's salary and the project's operating expenses.

During 2014-2015, a significant eruption took place within the Bárðarbunga volcanic system in Iceland, marked by a major caldera collapse with faults slipping approximately 65 meters. Following the eruption, a reversal in fault movement was observed, and continued inflation of the volcano. This PhD project aims to reanalyze the collapse data and collect new information related to inflation to better understand fault behavior under conditions of large slip distances and stress reversal.

Main tasks

The PhD candidate will be exposed to cutting-edge techniques in observational earthquake seismology and will augment these skills through the use of mechanical modeling. The project is divided into three main components: 1- Data Revisit: Examination of existing collapse data will be enhanced through template matching to refine catalogs and identify repeating seismic events. This will involve analyses of recurrence times and GPS-inferred subsidence rates. 2- New Data Collection: Deployment of temporary seismic stations within the caldera to gather fresh data, which will then be compared with existing collapse data. 3-Comprehensive Data Analysis: Utilization of various methodologies, such as stress inversion via focal mechanisms and mechanical modeling, to shed light on the phenomena of stress reversal. Each project component will lead to a first-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

The PhD student will be based at the Institute of Earth Sciences (http://earthice.hi.is/ ) at the University of Iceland. Supervision will be provided by Dr. Elías Rafn Heimisson, the project's Principal Investigator, along with Dr. Thomas Winder and Bryndís Brandsdóttir. The project also benefits from a collaborative effort with Prof. Nicholas Rawlinson and the seismology group at the University of Cambridge who are currently running projects in Askja, N-Iceland and the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Requirements

Research Field

Physics

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geophysics, Geology, Physics, or similar fields.
• Proficiency in English, both verbal and written.
• Reliability, initiative, and competence to work independently.
• Previous experience in observational earthquake seismology is desirable.
• Strong background in data science/numerical methods/programming is an advantage.

The hiring is contingent on the candidate applying formally for the PhD program at the University of Iceland at the corresponding department and that the application is approved by the faculty.

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Additional Information
Additional comments

Wages according to the current collective agreement by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs and the relevant trade union.

The starting date is no later than 1 September 2024.

Applications should include:

i) a cover letter (max 2 pages). 

ii) a CV, stating relevant work experience, knowledge in computer programming and software experience, and a list of publications and presentations if applicable.

iii) copies of university diplomas (BS and MS), with course listings and grade information (in English or Icelandic).

iv) a one-page statement of research interests, specify why you are interested in this project and how that aligns with your research interests.

v) names and full contact information of two professional referees (including their relationship to the applicant).

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be informed about the appointment when a decision has been made. Applications are valid in the system for 6 months after the application deadline.

Appointments to positions at the University of Iceland are made in consideration of the Equal Rights Policy of the University of Iceland - https://english.hi.is/node/50017  

The University of Iceland has a special Language Policy - https://english.hi.is/node/24581/  

The University of Iceland is a flourishing community of knowledge and is a very dynamic and interesting workplace. Our values are academic freedom, professionalism and equality. The University strives to provide flexibility and encourages participation in the development of the study programs and research in all fields within the realm of the University. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences employs approximately 390 people involved with teaching and research. The School offers an international working environment, where currently about quarter of all employees and graduate students are international, and that number is increasing each year. The school has around 2000 students and numerous graduate students. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences is proud of its diversity and reform-minded environment where knowledge acquisition and sharing are paramount.

The Institute of Earth Sciences is an independent branch of the Science Institute at the University of Iceland and the centre of academic research in Earth sciences within Iceland. The institute provides research facilities for academic staff, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. Scientists at the IES have strong international ties and organize and participate in a range of national and international research projects.

 

Job percentage: 100%

Application deadline until end of: 15.03.2024

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

University of Iceland

Country

Iceland

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://radningarkerfi.orri.is/?s=36731&oj_Router=1N4IgTg9hAuIFwgPwGcC8BmAbAdnQ…

Contact

City

Reykjavík

Website

http://www.hi.is

Street

Sæmundargata 6

Postal Code

101

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED