PhD Position Characterizing the Interiors of Icy Moons Using Integrated Geophysical Observations

PhD Position Characterizing the Interiors of Icy Moons Using Integrated Geophysical Observations

Job description

In the last decades, several space missions have revealed that some icy moons of the outer solar system have oceans beneath their icy crust. These findings have broadened the definition of habitability and placed these objects at the center of planetary explorations. While there is solid evidence for the existence of subsurface oceans in several of these moons, their interiors remain poorly constrained, making it difficult to assess their habitability. To address this, both ESA and NASA plan to send missions to the Jovian and Saturnian moons (Juice, Europa Clipper, Dragon Fly).

These missions will perform various geophysical measurements (e.g., gravity field, magnetic field, seismic measurements). These measurements are often sensitive to various interior properties and, when taken separately, provide only a partial picture of the interior. Still, this is often how the problem is approached. In this project, we aim to build a framework to perform a joint inversion of interior parameters with integrated geophysical observations. This framework will be applied to the Jovian moon Ganymede and Saturnian moon Enceladus.

Job requirements

• Obtained or soon to obtain MSc degree (or an equivalent degree which allows you to start a PhD) in physics, earth or planetary science, or a closely related field
• Background knowledge in planetary interiors
• Familiarity with continuum mechanics
• Experience working on inversion problems (e.g., MCMC type algorithms)
• Proficient in English. For information please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
• Familiarity or interest in using machine learning is also desired

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 270 PhD candidates and close to 3000 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from Promovendus gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Additional information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Marc Rovira Navarro, via M.RoviraNavarro@tudelft.nl.