Postdoc position in magma-driven hydrothermal systems

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100%, Zurich, fixed-term

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher (3-years position) to perform a study on how hydrothermal fluid flow, driven by magmatic heat, evolves in fracture zones. While this is a wide-spread phenomenon it is poorly understood. More specifically, the study aims at numerical simulation of how fracture zones and faults above or near to an intrusion influence fluid flow in calderas, rift zones, etc. This will be the first study of its kind, expected to significantly advance our understanding of natural hydrothermal systems, with applications to the occurrence and sustainability of geothermal resources as well as of the formation of vein-type hydrothermal ore deposits.

Job description

The main tasks are to

• identify and formulate the first order research problems to be addressed by the project, and to develop and simulate geologically meaningful conceptual models of magma-fracture-fluid interactions that help answering those questions
• analyze the simulation results, formulate the key scientific results and publish peer-reviewed articles
• extend the capabilities of our in-house simulation platform CSMP++ to incorporate more realistic fracture representations in the models

Your profile

Applicants should hold a PhD, preferably in geosciences, but applications from related fields will be considered. Key skills are the ability and willingness to rapidly and thoroughly acquaint yourself with the research topic, to learn the C++ programming language, to independently drive the research project, and a demonstrated record of publishing research results. Previous expertise in numerical modelling and programming and/or work on hydrothermal systems is a plus. The main focus of the work can somewhat be adapted to the successful candidate's skills but a strong orientation towards working on the geologic problems rather than mainly programming is expected.

We offer

Our group is widely recognized as an internationally leading team in numerical simulation of natural hydrothermal processes, and currently comprises three additional postdocs and several PhD students working on related topics. The project offers the possibility to participate in actively shaping the state of the art in the field and solving fundamental geologic problems by numerical simulation methods. An active interaction with other researchers that perform more field-oriented research is highly encouraged.

ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

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