Two PhD positions in geophysics/seismology

As a graduate student in seismology you will be a part of a research group that applies advanced data analysis techniques to develop models of earthquakes, the Earth's internal structure, and the processes that are behind these. The seismology group operates the Swedish National Seismic Network (SNSN) consisting of 65 broad-band seismographs throughout Sweden. The group also uses 25 portable seismographs for temporary deployments in focused projects and is heavily involved in international research projects.

Two presently active research projects include one emphasizing the mapping of lithospheric structure in the region around Fennoscandia with surface waves from earthquakes as well as from ambient seismic noise. Another one concentrates on the small-scale structure of the upper crust around volcanoes and geothermal areas in Iceland.

The lithosphere consists of cold and stiff rocks in the top few hundred km of Earth. In the area around Fennoscandia we find lithosphere ranging in age through much of Earth history. The area is therefore well suited for study how lithosphere formation has evolved with time. You will apply tomographic analyses to surface-wave data from SNSN and earlier temporary projects as well as new temporary instrument deployments that bridge the gap between them. The data come from regional and distant earthquakes as well as waves isolated from ambient-seismic noise by correlation of noise records at two seismographs. Variations of wave speed and anisotropy are affected by rock type, temperature and deformation to hundreds of km depth and thus constrain the formation of lithosphere.

Geothermal activity in Iceland is tightly connected to vulcanism. The vulcanism causes thermal variations and fracture zones in the upper crust as well as microearthquakes. A dense network of 50 seismographs is now in operation in SW Iceland in collaboration with Icelandic and American institutions. The objective is to map the microearthquakes in detail (and thereby fractures at depth) and variations of seismic velocity and anisotropy with tomographic analyses of time measurements of the waves they generate. Thereby we hope to better understand how far into the crust fractures penetrate and thereby how permeable the crust is at depth and to constrain the crusts temperature distribution. Variations of wave speed with time can also constrain changes in volcanic systems and geothermal reservoirs in the area.

You must have a strong interest in research and an academic magister/master- or engineering degree, or equivalent, in geophysics, physics, earth sciences or a similar field (formally, four years of university study including a minimum of 1 year at advanced level are required). You should have a very strong background in general physics, mathematics and programming. Experience with geophysical work and/or advanced data analysis methods is an advantage.

Good oral and written proficiency in English is required. Personal qualities that make the applicant suitable for the position are emphasized. The positions are fulltime for four years and may include up to 20% of research or teaching assistantship. Further information can be found on the department's web page http://www.geo.uu.se and the web pages of the engineering and science faculties http://www.teknat.uu.se.

Salaries are determined based on university regulations.

General regulations for PhD studies can be found in Högskoleförordningen 5 kap §§1-7 as well as in the universities rules and regulations http://regler.uu.se/.

Applications must include a CV, certified copies of diplomas and certificates, and a personal letter describing yourself and your relevant experience (maximum 2 pages in English or Swedish). The application should also contain a summary of your master thesis and eventual publications, and contact information for, or letters from at least two referees.

To be appointed as a PhD student it is required that the candidate has been admitted, or will be admitted, to a PhD education program, in which the ability to benefit from the PhD education is crucial.

Information about the position is given by docent Ari Tryggvason, e-mail: ari.tryggvason@geo.uu.se, tel. +46(0)18-471 2388 or professor Olafur Gudmundsson, e-mail: olafur.gudmundsson@geo.uu.se, tel +46(0)18-471 2788. Trade union representatives are Anders Grundström, Saco, phone +46 18 471 53 80, Carin Söderhäll, TCO /ST phone +46 18 471 19 96 phone +46 18 471 1997 and Stefan Djurström, Seko, phone +46 18 471 33 15.

You are welcome to submit your application no later than May 31, 2012, UFV-PA 2012/940. Use the link below to access the application form: