PhD research position on "Modelling of the African Lithosphere Combining GOCE and Seismology"

This four-year PhD position is offered within the department of Earth Systems Analysis, Faculty ITC at the University of Twente, the Netherlands, in collaboration with Utrecht University, Pennsylvania State University (USA) and is conducted within the framework of the AfricaArray project. The research is supported under NWO grant GO-AO/31 and part of the European Space Agency PI project GOCE4306

The challenge
PhD research position on "Deeper understanding of Africa; Modelling of the African Lithosphere Combining GOCE and Seismology"
Background: The proposed research will focus on innovative applications and combined analysis of GOCE satellite gravity data with seismological data in Africa. The research will focus on yet unexplained Earth structure on the borders of the Congo and Kalahari craton. Insight in this structure will be obtained through analysis of 3D gradient GOCE satellite gravity data and integration with surface wave tomography. For this purpose a unique seismological network will be installed to provide unprecedented seismological coverage to strengthen the satellite gravity inversions and provide unique geodynamical and compositional information on a previously poorly studied region.
Focus: The candidate will focus on the development of a subsurface models based on satellite gravity and seismological data. The candidate will derive information on crust and upper mantle structure underneath station through receiver function analysis and in between through surface wave modeling and analysis of satellite gravity (gradient) data. This work will finally result in a compositional and geodynamic model for the region.
It is expected to write a PhD thesis (based on articles) within the project duration of four years.
Information concerning the research activities of the department of Earth Systems Analysis at the University of Twente can be found at http://www.itc.nl/4D-EARTH.

Our offer
Location: The place of work will be the University of Twente, although the candidate is expected to work part of the time at the partner institutes and undertake fieldwork for network installation and maintenance. The candidate is expected to closely communicate with the partners, other PhD candidates and the principal investigator and to publish in international peer-reviewed journals.
Employment: The starting date is June 2012. The employment will be given under Dutch law and in reference to the UT regulations for a period of one year fulltime position with -at good performance- the prospect of an extension with a maximum of three years (in total four years fulltime). Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements (CAO) ot the Dutch Universities. Gross monthly salary ranges from € 2,042 to € 2,612 exclusive of allowances in accordance with job profile Promovendus under the University System in Job Classification (UJC).

Your profile
We seek a highly motivated candidate with a MSc degree in geophysics, physics, geodesy, geology or a related discipline with affinity for one or more of the following fields: seismology, satellite gravity, African geology and geodynamics. The candidate should be proficient in English, have excellent scientific writing and planning skills and be an enthusiastic team player.
Information You are invited to send your application through the appliation link below. Applications should consist of an application/motivation letter (max. 1 page) as well as detailed CV, copies of published pages and a letter of recommendation. Applications should arrive no later than 29 February 2012.
More additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from dr. M. van der Meijde, email: vandermeijde@itc.nl.

The organisation
The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which drives change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university in the Netherlands; divided over six faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. The University of Twente has a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out pioneering research.
The Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) of the University of Twente provides international postgraduate education, research and project services in the field of geo-information science and earth observation using remote sensing and GIS. The aim of ITC's activities is the international exchange of knowledge, focusing on capacity building and institutional development in developing countries and emerging economies.
 
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