General information

SPIN will focus on training 15 PhD candidates in emerging measurement technologies in seismology. We will research the design of monitoring systems for precursory changes in material properties, all while optimizing observation strategies. The unique interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral network will enable PhDs to gain international expertise at excellent research institutions, with a meaningful exposure of each PhD to other disciplines and sectors, thus going far beyond the education at a single PhD programme. For further information on the project, please consult our website at: http://spin-itn.eu.

Project description

Time-dependent monitoring of seismic velocity changes in the past decade has shown that the velocity of seismic waves is not constant but varies in response to a number of external drives like precipitation, temperature and deformation from passing seismic waves. Especially the systematic decrease of elastic wave velocities during dynamic deformation and the subsequent recovery that may last for months to years are of interest, potentially providing a window into physical processes affecting hazard relevant material properties.

Within SPIN we investigate the different expressions of the complex mechanical behavior of heterogeneous materials in laboratory experiments to develop an empirical and physical description of time variable material properties. A calibrated setup allows to jointly observe changes in wave velocity, attenuation, waveform distortion together with changes in static modulus - both in the fast damage phase when the material is loaded and during the slow recovery phase. Using static loading as well as dynamic loading with oscillatory strain are expected to lead to a strain and strain-rate dependent model for the damage and recovery processes.

The developed concepts are tested against centimeter scale rock-laboratory observations, measurements on meter scale concrete specimens and seismological observations on the decameter to kilometer scale. The results will aid the interpretation of seismological field observations of nonlinear effects in terms of mechanical property changes and may improve time dependent assessment of natural hazards related to material failure.

Required skills and experience

We welcome applications from candidates who fulfill the following criteria:

• a completed research-oriented university degree, such as a Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g. Geophysics, Physics, ..)
• an outstanding academic track record
• a good command of English, both verbal and written
• dedication and enthusiasm for research, combined with scientific curiosity, reliability and the capacity to teamwork in an interdisciplinary environment.
• background in seismology, wave propagation
• strong programming ability (python, matlab)
• motivation to work in an interdisciplinary and international team
• willingness for research visits of several weeks at partner institutions of SPIN

Please ensure that you fulfill the following eligibility criteria for ESR (Early Stage Researcher) positions in H2020 MSCA-ITNs, as ineligible candidates cannot be considered: https://spin-itn.eu/recruitment/#eligibility-criteria

What we offer:

• intergration in a versatile European Training network with dedicated workshops, research visits and high level of intellectual exchange with your peers and supervisors
• close supervision and technical support
• ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic, interdisciplinary and international research environment at GFZ
• 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
• in walking distance of Potsdam main station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Start date: ideally 1^st September 2021
Fixed-term: 3 years
Salary: depends on family status and will be around 2000€/month net
Working hours: full-time (currently 39 h/week)
Place of work: Potsdam

Application Procedure

The application deadline is 1^st April 2021. Application evaluations will start immediately, and will continue until all positions are filled. We wish to reflect the diversity of society and we welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background. The selection will be exclusively based on qualification without regard to gender identity, sexual orientation religion, national origin or age.

Applications must include:

• a cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position
• a CV including relevant competences, skills and publication list, if applicable
• copies of degree certificate(s) and transcripts of records for previous studies (Bachelor and/or Master) - Please indicate expected date of graduation if your Master’s degree is not completed.
• contact information of two references
• a copy of the SPIN application form

To apply (A) fill in the SPIN application form http://uhh.de/min-spin-apply (B) apply online at https://www.gfz-potsdam.de/en/career/job-offers (C) send your application documents additionally in one single pdf file with filename "SPIN_YourLastname_YourFirstname.pdf" to spin-applications.min@uni-hamburg.de.

Data handling

By applying to a PhD position, you agree that all data concerning your application may be stored electronically and distributed among the supervisors involved in the selection procedure within the MSCA ITN SPIN. If you do not agree, your application can not be processed further, due to the project’s centralised recruitment process. The data are used solely for the recruitment process and we do not share information about you with any third party.

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. We therefore very much welcome applications from qualified women. In the case of equal aptitude, severely disabled persons are given preferential consideration in accordance with the Code of Social Law IX.

Your personal data will be treated in line with Art. 6 (1b) and Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with § 26 BbgDSG during the selection process. After the selection process has been concluded, your application documents will be deleted, in line with data protection regulation. 

In case of any further queries relating to the role’s responsibilities, please contact Dr. Christoph Sens-Schönfelder on christoph.sens-schoenfelder@gfz-potsdam.de. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact Ms Poralla on +49 (0) 331-288-28787.