Uppsala University, Department of Earth Sciences

Ph.D. position in Mineralogy, petrology and tectonics Characterisation of brittle deformation in viscous magma at the Department of Earth Sciences, Programme for Mineralogy, petrology and tectonics. 

Duties/Project description: Recent research on the mechanical behaviour of viscous magma intruding at shallow depth in the crust highlights the importance of viscous stalling and the possibility of brittle deformation at magmatic temperatures. This brittle deformation may be expressed as wide-spread fracturing and brittle shearing of magma. However, our understanding of the detailed expression and consequences of fracturing, and in particular crack propagation and distribution in viscously deforming systems, remains embryonic.

The successful candidate will characterise fracture formation, propagation and distribution in viscous magma and partially molten systems to address the following research questions: How and at what scale does brittle deformation of magma occur in shallow intrusions? Is this deformation connected to seismicity? How interlinked is the fracture network produced during magma fracturing? What consequences/implications does magma fracturing in intrusions have for heat transport and the development of geothermal systems?

Requirements: We seek a highly motivated candidate with an MSc or equivalent degree in Earth Sciences or similar (formally, four years of university study including a minimum of one year at advanced level are required). Experience with material characterisation and/or rock mechanics are required. Additional knowledge of e.g. brittle deformation or seismology are beneficial.

Candidates are expected to be able to communicate easily in oral and written English, work independently and in an international team of researchers with different disciplinary backgrounds. Willingness to travel abroad for extended stays at the RockLab in Strasbourg and other lab facilities and for conferences and field work are expected. It is expected that the candidate holds a clean driving license. Experience as a teaching assistant is beneficial. An interest in and experience with science communication and dissemination are beneficial.

Application: Rules governing Ph.D. candidates are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala university's rules and guidelines http://regler.uu.se/search/?hits=30&languageId=1&search-language_en=English.

How to apply: The application should include a 2-page statement of research interest and motivation for applying for this PhD position. More specifically, how the applicant’s research interests are related to the PhD topic, which is broadly defined above, and how the applicant’s qualifications meet the required qualifications. The application should also include a CV/resume, verified list of course grades and contact details for at least two reference persons. If available, a Master thesis and letters of recommendation can also be attached. Please note that applications can only be accepted via the web interface linked below.

The holder of a Ph.D.-student position shall primarily devote her/his time to own research studies. Other departmental work, such as educational or administrative can be part of position (max 20 %). The applicant must be eligible for Ph.D. studies. Priority is given to those who are deemed to show the greatest aptitude for a successful completion of graduate studies.

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

Salary: According to local agreement for PhD students and teaching assistants.
 
Starting date: 01-12-2018, temporary position ending 30-11-2022.

Type of position: Full time position.

For further information about the position please contact: Dr. Steffi Burchardt, tel +46(0)18 4712568; Steffi.burchardt@geo.uu.se and Dr. Bjarne Almqvist, Bjarne.almqvist@geo.uu.

Please submit your application by 27 November 2018, UFV-PA 2018/3815.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 2018-12-01
Salary Fixed salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100 %
City Uppsala
County Uppsala län
Country Sweden
Reference number UFV-PA 2018/3815
Union representative
  • Ellena Papaioannou, Seko, 018-471 3315
  • Suzanne Borén Andersson, TCO/ST, 018-471 6251
  • Per Sundman, Saco-rådet, 018-471 1485
Published 30.Oct.2018
Last application date 18.Dec.2018 11:59 PM CET

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