PhD opportunity in Geodynamics at the Bayerisches Geoinstitut (Bayreuth, Germany)

The Bayerisches Geoinstitute offers a PhD position in the field of Geodynamics.
The focus of the research will be on the effect of continental lids on the efficiency of mantle convective stirring.

Interpreting surface geochemical data requires the understanding of the mechanisms that can preserve or erase chemical heterogeneities over geological times. The effect of continental lids is known to have a first order impact on mantle convective dynamics and heat transfer. In particular it has be shown that the presence of continents influences the convective wavelength and the time dependency of the mantle motions. However the consequences on the efficiency of convective stirring have not been quantified and studied systematically. This will be the main objective of this thesis, using 2D and 3D numerical modeling of mantle convective motions.

Applicants should hold a master degree in Physics, Geophysics or equivalent. We are seeking for candidates with a solid background in fluid dynamics and heat transfer, knowledge in numerical methods and in one or more programming language (Fortran , C …).
Decent computational facilities are available at the Bayerisches Geoinstitute (www.bgi.uni-bayreuth.de ) and at the University of Bayreuth. Funds will be available for attending international conferences and workshops.

The position to be filled up as soon as possible, will be awarded for a period of three years.
To apply, please send the following documents in electronic form to : henri.samuel[at]uni-bayreuth.de

- A Curiculum Vitae
- The contact information of at least two referees
(www.bgi.uni-bayreuth.de )