PhD on the Evolution of Seismicity throughout the Lifecycle of Rifting

6 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Utrecht University

Research Field

Physics

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)
First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

15 Mar 2024 - 22:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

40.0

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

The department of Earth Sciences at Utrecht University is looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious PhD candidate to work on a project on the Evolution of seismicity throughout the lifecycle of rifting as part of the International Training Network “TALENTS” .

Your job
Seismicity is typically only generated in regions of the continental crust that deform via brittle-frictional processes, i.e., in the upper 15-30 km, depending on rock type. However, the thermal and strength profiles of the crust evolve during the lifecycle of a rift. In this project, the aim is to establish:

the temperature and effective normal stress range under which simulated faults have the potential to nucleate tectonic and fluid-induced seismicity; and

resulting fault strength variations.

This will be done by a series of hydrothermal ring shear experiments using the unique apparatus at the HPT laboratory . Rock samples will be selected and obtained from collaborators within TALENTS (EAR, Corinth) as well as others.

We expect this study to result in a deeper understanding of the transition from seismic to aseismic sliding with increasing temperature in a variety of rock types that have been sparsely studied. This will provide key data for assessing seismic hazard in rifts, for numerical models of the seismic cycle, and for the large-scale geodynamic models in TALENTS.
As part of the project, two secondments are planned:

a two month stay at Imperial College, London, supervised by Rebecca Bell, to characterise faults in the Corinth rift using seismic data; and

a three month stay at KNMI, de Bilt, supervised by Elmer Ruigrok, to characterise the seismogenic zone in the Roer Valley rift system aimed at providing seismic, geodetic and geothermal constraints.

A personalised training programme will be set up, reflecting your training needs and career objectives. About 20% of your time will be dedicated to this training component, which includes training on the job in assisting in the Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes of the Earth Sciences department at Utrecht University.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

We look forward to your application if you have multiple of the following qualifications:

• a Master’s degree (MSc) in geophysics or geology, ultimately obtained at the start of the project;
• quantitative skills including scripting (e.g. Python or Matlab) and data analyses;
• good English oral and writing skills (C1 level);
• good team working skills, especially in an (inter)national, interdisciplinary and diverse team;
• excitement to (learn how to) think across disciplinary and institutional boundaries;
• experience in working with high pressure/temperature experiments and/or a background in seismic interpretation are advantages.

Additional Information
Benefits

We offer:

• a position for one year, with an extension to a total of four years upon successful assessment;
• a working week of 28 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,770 and €3,539 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU);
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• A pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development , leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities , as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University .

Selection process

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.

The first round of interviews are planned for late March / early April.

Additional comments

For informal information, please contact Dr André Niemeijer at [email protected] .

Note that international candidates that need a visa/work permit for the Netherlands require at least four months processing time after selection and acceptance. This will be arranged with help of the International Service Desk (ISD) of our university. Finding appropriate housing in or near Utrecht is your own responsibility but the ISD may be able to advise you therewith. In case of general questions about working and living in The Netherlands, please consult the Dutch Mobility Portal .

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/337449/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Universiteit Utrecht

Country

Netherlands

City

Utrecht

Postal Code

3584CB

Street

Princetonlaan 8a

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/337449/phd-on-the-evolution-of-seismicity-t…

Contact

City

Utrecht

Website

http://www.uu.nl/

Street

Domplein 29

Postal Code

3512 JE

STATUS: EXPIRED