The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam – GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for geosphere research. As a member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres we are part of the largest scientific organization in Germany. With approximately 1,500 employees our key mission is to secure a profound understanding of the systems and processes of solid Earth, to develop strategies and options for action in addressing global change and its impacts on a regional level, to understand natural hazards and to minimize associated risks, to ensure the sustainable provision of energy and raw materials for a high-tech society and to evaluate the influence of human activity on system Earth.
For section 2.6: Seismic Hazard and Risk Dynamics (Department 2: Geophysics), we are looking for a:
PostDoc (f_m_x) Mechanical behavior of fault zone in-situ experiment and numerical modelling Reference Number 7698
The understanding of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical behavior of fault zones or in naturally fractured reservoirs is essential both for fundamental and applied sciences and in particular for the safety assessment of radioactive waste disposal facilities. The overall objective of so-called in-situ experiments is to better understand the physical processes occurring in natural systems but under controlled conditions with extensive monitoring systems. The bilateral DFG/ANR proposal CHENILLE (Coupled beHavior undErstaNdIng of fauLts: from the Laboratory to the fiEld) aims at highlighting the physical processes controlling fault mechanics at different scales. In this frame, a thermally controlled in-situ fluid injection experiment is intended to be performed on a strike-slip fault zone outcropping at the Tournemire/France Underground Research Laboratory (URL). A heating system has been installed around the injection area to enable a precise and controlled incremental increase of the thermal load. Different monitoring systems are designed to measure the seismic and aseismic deformation induced either by thermal and/or by hydraulic loading.
Your responsibilities:
- Collaborate closely in an interdisciplinary context (fault mechanics, computation of in-situ experiment dataset, numerical modelling)
- Present, publish and communicate research results at scientific meetings and in scholarly journals
- The project will involve frequent business trips to Nancy (France) to collaborate with Dr. Audrey Bonnelye (the PI of the project)
- Handling the data resulting from the hydraulic stimulation
- Developing numerical modelling based on the previously acquired datasets
Your qualifications:
- A Master`s degree or equivalent and a PhD in the domains of Geomechanics or Geophysics
- Fluency in English
- Good communication skills
- Strong interest in fault mechanics
- Experience with numerical modelling would be appreciated
What we offer:
- Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
- State-of-the-art equipment
- Public service benefits
- Extensive training opportunities
- Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Centre
- Flexible working hours and conditions
- Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
- Institute day-care centre on site
- Working at the Albert Einstein science park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
- Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus
| Start date: | As soon as possible |
| Fixed term: | 24 months |
| Salary: | The position is classed as salary group 13 according to “TVöD Bund”. The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications. |
| Working hours: | Full-time (currently 39 h/week); The position is generally suitable for part-time work. |
| Place of work: | Potsdam |
