PhD position in Computational Seismology at LMU, Munich

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (Geophysics Section, Seismology Group) at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Germany, is seeking applications from enthusiastic young researchers for a Ph.D. position in computational seismology. The successful candidate will utilize SeisSol (www.seissol.geophysik.uni-muenchen.de), an advanced software package developed to simulate wave propagation and rupture dynamics using an arbitrary high-order derivative discontinuous Galerkin (ADER-DG) discretization. The objectives are to conduct realistic earthquake scenario simulations including source dynamics on natural fault zones as well as to investigate seismic wave propagation and scattering effects. A strong interest in numerical methods, seismic data analysis and motivation to work in a high-performance computing (HPC) context are required, previous experience in aforementioned fields is highly advantageous. The Department has a powerful Linux-cluster and access to local supercomputer facilities (www.lrz-muenchen.de). The Geophysics section offers excellent working and training conditions and hosts several strongly numerical based projects.

Requirements:

• Degree in Earth sciences, physics, mathematics or related fields
• Basic knowledge of seismology or wave propagation phenomena
• Interest in earthquake source processes and fracture mechanics
• Experience in programming (e.g. Matlab, Python, Fortran, MPI) 
• Excellent written and spoken English skills 
• Motivation to work in an international and interdisciplinary team

 
Deadline for applications is March 31, 2014, with the possibility of extension until the position is filled.
Interested candidates should send a CV, a statement of research interests (one page) and the names of two references to:

Dr. Alice-Agnes Gabriel
E-mail: gabriel@geophysik.lmu.de
Department für Geo- und Umweltwissenschaften
Sektion Geophysik
Theresienstraße 41
80333 München
Germany

The LMU is an equal opportunity employer. The University intends to enhance the diversity of its faculty members, and therefore strongly encourages applications from female candidates. Furthermore, disabled candidates with essentially equal qualifications will be given preference.

http://www.geophysik.uni-muenchen.de/news/jobs/jobdetails/294

 

 

PhD position in Seismology at LMU, Munich

10. Jan 2014

The use of ocean-generated seismic noise has dramatically increased in recent years. Noise correlations make it possible to exploit the vast amounts of background noise recorded continuously around the world. In a way, they allow us to exploit seismic noise to perform earthquake-free seismology. This has resulted in an explosion in the number of high-resolution tomographic images in the past decade. Noise correlations have also been used successfully to monitor wave speed changes over time in potentially dangerous structures such as landslides, volcanoes and active fault zones. Most of the applications so far have concentrated on the vertical component records, but recently more interest arises to include the information contained in the horizontal components.
One of the major unknowns in this emerging field of seismology is the origin of this horizontally polarized ambient noise. In particular, it is not yet understood how microseismic Love waves are generated by the oceans. This PhD project will aim to understand the physical mechanisms responsible for exciting the observed Love waves.
PhD – Simulation of Love wave generation and propagationAim: Implement 3D simulation of expected source mechanisms using realistic bathymetry and velocity models for area of interest. Simulate noise sources using wave-wave interaction data, and compare to real ambient noise records. Better constraints on the location and behavior of noise sources will help us understand the ocean - solid Earth interaction processes driving them.
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, LMU Munich
The Geophysics section of the LMU in Munich offers excellent working conditions, along with training in parallel computing, numerical methods, data processing and programming. The computational environment available to host strongly numerical based projects is unparalleled in Germany. The project is set in the context of international collaboration with partners in Ireland and France, including regular research visits.
Requirements
We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with excellent academic records from a wide range of backgrounds. They must hold a MSc or equivalent in geophysics, physics, oceanography, applied mathematics or related fields, and have a strong background in numerical methods. Exposure to time series analysis and partial differential equations would be advantageous. Some familiarity with computer programming (Python, Matlab, Fortran) and a solid knowledge of English are mandatory.
The PhD position is fully funded by the DFG Emmy Noether programme. The appointment will begin as soon as possible and will be for three years. Review of applications will start immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is found.
Application Procedure
For more information, please contact us. Applicants should send a cover letter and CV along with the names and complete contact information of two references to:
Dr. Céline Hadziioannou
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Theresienstr. 41
80333 Munich - Germany
hadzii@geophysik.uni-muenchen.de
The LMU is an equal opportunity employer. The University intends to enhance the diversity of its faculty members, and therefore strongly encourages applications from female candidates. Furthermore, disabled candidates with essentially equal qualifications will be given preference.