The GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam (GFZ Potsdam) presents as member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres the national Research Centre for Earth Sciences.

To perform studies on volcano processes and develop numerical stress transfer models the Department 2 "Physics of the Earth" invites applications for a position of a PhD Student (m/f).
Application deadline: June 15, 2007
The project will be done in the VolcanoTectonics research group and the division of natural hazards.

Tasks:

The main research goal is to better understand how patterns of magma emplacement, degassing and seismicity correlate with the amount and type of stress changes. The Ph.D. project is part of a larger research initiative "Exupery" that is designed to develop a mobile Volcano Fast Response System (VFRS) and includes advancements of ground and space based observational techniques as well as development of a central database, volcano alert level system and visualization tools. The quantitative physical model building and data interpretation to be conducted by the Ph.D. project is a central issue for that plan. The Ph.D. candidate will work mainly with geodetic data (InSAR and GPS) and combine inversion methods and forward stress computations. There will be close collaboration with the German aerospace centre DLR and usage of data of the TerraSAR-X platform. The region of experimental data and method testing are the Azores Islands; the position will be based at GFZ Potsdam.

Qualification:

Applicants with solid quantitative skills (numerical methods, statistics), interest in geodetic signal processing and inversion theory, are encouraged to apply. Experience in instrumentation and geophysical data processing is helpful, as is a background crustal deformation processes. Applicants must hold a master degree, or an equivalent level of education, in geophysics or a related discipline.

Starting date is flexible; the position is open immediately, but preferably no later than 1 October 2007. Additional analytical expenses and travel costs are granted through the research program that is part of the framework GEOTECHNOLOGIEN of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

Start: As soon as possible
Duration: 2 years (with the option of a 1 year extension)
Working time: 19,5 hours/week
Salary: EG 13 TVöD-O

Further infomation:

Dr. T. Walter
Tel.: +49-331 288-1253
Email: twalter@gfz-potsdam.de

Application material shall include a short cover letter, a CV and a statement of research interest, and the names and addresses of three referees that might be contacted.

Applications should be submitted to:

GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam
Abt. Personal- und Sozialwesen
Telegrafenberg
14473 Potsdam

Visit:    http://www.gfz-potsdam.de/stellen/html/2007/28-2-07-engl.html