PhD Position (f_m_x) „Building a digital twin of the lithosphere in the eastern Mediterranean“ Reference Number 8669

The overall goal of the PhD position is to develop a 3D model of the eastern Mediterranean to test different geodynamic hypotheses on deformation dynamics.

Geodynamics is of key societal importance for the eastern Mediterranean region, as it influences various natural hazards that can cause great damage. Examples include the occurrence of earthquakes, volcanic activity, or the risk of tsunamis associated with both. To better assess such impacts, the physical state of the lithosphere must be described quantitatively. To do this, novel process models must be developed that represent large-scale processes and their feedback while being consistent with available observations. This requires the consistent integration of available geoscientific observations into 3D virtual representations of the crust and upper mantle as well as further development of existing software simulating coupled thermo-hydraulic-mechanical processes.

The focus of the PhD thesis is therefore on the integration of available multi-disciplinary geoscientific observations on the one hand and the numerical simulation of thermal-hydraulic-mechanical processes as well as of the geodynamic effects on the other hand.

Your responsibilities:

• Integration of geological, geophysical, geothermal and geodetic data into consistent 3D structural models representing the main characteristics of the sediments, crystalline crust and upper mantle in the Eastern Mediterranean region
• Numerical simulations of coupled thermal-hydraulic-mechanical processes considering the heterogeneities present
• Coupling simulations of subsurface processes with simulations of other working groups working, for example, on surface processes
• Validation of simulation results against observations
• Quantification of the long-term effects of varying boundary conditions
• Interpretation and publication of results

Your qualifications:

• A master's degree or diploma in physics, mathematics or geosciences is mandatory
• In-depth knowledge of thermohydraulic-mechanical relationships in the lithosphere
• Good knowledge of geophysics and deformation mechanisms
• Basic knowledge of 3D structural modelling and numerical methods
• Programming skills (e.g. Python, Fortran or C/C++) are an advantage
• Very good English language skills

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