Postdoc in Experimental Geodynamic Modelling

One postdoc within NWO project "Unraveling the geometry of subduction-induced mantle flow".

• Postdoc in Experimental Geodynamic Modelling
• Amsterdam
• Onderzoeksgebouw VU
• Researcher / Postdoc
• Faculty of Science

Your function

Are you passionate about the Earth and its interior dynamics? Are you keen to make new discoveries about subduction and mantle flow processes? Do you get excited about laboratory-based geodynamic modelling? Then this vacancy might be something for you.

The vacancy is part of a project funded by the Dutch National Research Council (NWO) that focuses on laboratory-based geodynamic modelling of subduction and mantle flow processes.

Tasks for the postdoc position
The postdoc will develop, record and analyze experimental geodynamic models of subduction to test the influence of the experimental subduction rate and mantle viscosity on the mantle velocity field. Research will be published in peer-reviewed journals and the applicant will present the results at national and international conferences.

Your profile

Profile for the postdoc position

• PhD in Geology or Geophysics;
• experience with geodynamic modelling (laboratory-based (analogue) and/or numerical) of geological processes as evidenced by a track record of first-author, peer-reviewed, publications (experience with modelling of subduction/mantle dynamics will be considered advantageous);
• excellent ability to communicate in both written and spoken English;
• strong scientific motivation, and an interest in geodynamic processes of the Solid Earth;
• ability to work independently and in a team environment;
• good social skills and communication skills.

What do we offer?

The selected candidate will become part of a world-class research team within the Department of Earth Sciences at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. We offer a competitive salary and benefits, and we strongly value a healthy work-life balance. You will live in or around the multicultural metropolis of Amsterdam. We offer you:

• a salary of minimum € 3.706,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.760,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• a position for 1.0 FTE. The appointment will initially be for six months. After satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, it will be extended by one year to a total duration of 1.5 years. Planned starting date is the first of May 2027.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• contribution to commuting expenses.
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge.
• The possibility to work partly from home.

About us

Project and research group
The project will involve experimental modelling of subduction and subduction-induced mantle flow (low Reynolds number fluid dynamics) to record and map the evolving mantle flow field during progressive subduction. Recording of the mantle flow field will be done using a sophisticated Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) system that is based in the Kuenen-Escher Geodynamics Laboratory (KEG Lab) within the Department of Earth Sciences.

The research project will be embedded in the Geodynamics and Tectonics research group, led by Prof. Dr. Wouter Schellart. Wouter will lead the project and offer mentorship, supervision and guidance to the postdoc.

Department of Earth Sciences
The department of Earth Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, offers a stimulating international research environment with world-class academic reputation, and excellent state-of-the-art facilities. Research in the department covers a wide range of fundamental and applied research topics, including Earth and planetary dynamics, climate and environmental dynamics, surface processes and landscape dynamics, and sustainability, resources, and society. Our strength lies in the ability to deliver fundamental knowledge on the functioning of our planet and are key to finding sustainable solutions to many problems related to natural resources, natural hazards, energy, and the environment that society is facing.