Post-Doctoral position in numerical modelling of subduction interface processes “Impact of composite rheologies for mixing processes at the plate interface”
Main host institution: UPMC
Secondement Institutions: CISC, NOA, CAU. Collaboration with : ETH Zurich
The Institute of Earth Sciences and Environment of Paris (ISTEP) at University Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC) seeks to appoint a Post-Doctoral fellow in modelling of modeling thermo-mechanical processes and evolution of the subduction interface and parameterization of the rheological laws for melanges resulting from mixing processes at the plate interface for geodynamic scales. The successful applicant will join the Lithosphere Deep Processes group and work in a multi-disciplinary environment in close collaboration with Prof. E . Burov and Dr. L. Le Pourhiet as well as with the members of the advisory panel: Dr. V. Sallares (CSIC), Dr. T. Meier (CAU), Dr. V. Karastathis (NOA). The implementation of the numerical models will be realized in close collaboration with Prof. T. Gerya and Dr. D. May (ETH Zurich).
Project description: Subduction is a major geodynamic process shaping plate tectonic patterns and staying behind of the most important natural hazards such as gigantic seisms, tsunamis and volcanic activity. The subduction mechanisms are largely controlled by the mechanical properties of the subduction interface connected, in particular, to mixing of different rock facies, large ductile and brittle strains, methamorphic reactios and fluid circulation. The nature, structure and properties of this interface are still largely unknown, calling for a thorough Zoom In between the Plates (ZIP). ZIP represents therefore a real challenge for a new generation of geoscientists and requires innovative, high-end, cross-disciplinary scientific and technologic training to provide them with the skills and strength to tackle such problems, make major contributions, and undertake an academic or industrial career on managing geohazards. The successful applicant will be required to carry out research aimed at modeling of thermo-mechanical processes and evolution of the subduction interface and parameterization of the rheological laws for melanges resulting from mixing processes at the plate interface for geodynamic scales. The rheological, geodynamical, geochemical and seismological implications will be tested against constraints from structural, petrological, geochemical and seismic data generated in other ESR/ER projects of ITN ZIP. The study will in particular require development, parallelization, optimization and application of 3D numerical thermo-mechanical codes. During his/her research, the post-doctoral fellow is expected to produce single- and co-authored publications in these areas; to present her or his work at international conferences.
Candidates must hold a PhD in Earth Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Physics or a related discipline. Experience in geodynamics, rock mechanics, numerical modelling and programming languages is highly advantageous. The rheological, geodynamical, geochemical and seismological implications will be tested against constraints from structural, petrological, geochemical and seismic data generated in other ESR/ER projects of ITN ZIP.
ISTEP (Institute des Sciences de la Terre de Paris) belongs to the University of Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC), arguably the leading and largest University in France, and one of the top 10 European Universities. ISTEP is situated in the heart of down town of Paris, in the historical University district (Quartier Latin). During his Post-Doctoral project, the candidate will collaborate with the colleagues from the secondment institutions: Dr. V. Sallares (CSIC), Dr. T. Meier (CAU), Dr. V. Karastathis (NOA), and with the geodynamic modeling group of ETH Zurich.
For further information, please contact Prof. Evgueni Burov (evgenii.burov@upmc.fr) or Dr. Laetitia Le Pourhiet (laetitia.le_pourhiet@upmc.fr)
Starting date is expected between January and May 2014.
New deadline to apply: Nov, 13th 2013.