Postdoc Position: 3D integrated geophysical-petrological modelling of the Earth’s dynamic topography at global scale

The Faculty of Physics (Universidad Complutense de Madrid) invites applications for a postdoctoral position within the Call for Research Proposals of the Living Planet Fellowship 2020 opened by the European Space Agency (ESA). The main objective of this initiative is to support young scientists, at post-doctoral level, to undertake cutting-edge research in Earth Observation, Earth System Science or Climate Research, maximising the scientific return of ESA and European EO missions and datasets through the development of novel EO methods, techniques and products, and by delivering excellent scientific results addressing the grand Earth Science challenges of the next decade, enabling improved predictions of the physical interaction of society with the Earth system

The research project will involve multi-scale seismic, topography and satellite gravity field data imaging and petrological modelling of the crust and mantle at global scale within an integrated framework, with a special focus on dynamic topography. Our group has recently developed a global lithospheric-upper mantle thermochemical model using state of the art terrestrial and satellite data sets within a project funded by Comunidad de Madrid Atracción de Talento Programme, Modalidad 1- (Ref. 2018-T1/AMB/11493) leaded by Dr Javier Fullea.

We seek suitable candidates to apply for the Living Planet Fellowship 2020 incorporating mantle convection simulations into our upper mantle modelling framework. Successful candidates will hold a 2 years contract funded at 70% by ESA and at 30% by Comunidad de Madrid Talento research grant 2018-T1/AMB/11493 to J. Fullea. The application should be made through ESA’s web portal in liason with the host institution (UCM). Applications will be considered until March 14 th.

The candidate should have a strong expertise in advanced numerical techniques (especially model order reduction and finite elements analysis) and Bayesian geophysical inverse problems (ideally Stokes flow). Experience in data processing and strong computational skills are required. Applicants must hold a PhD within engineering applied to Geophysics/Geodynamics. Evidence of the ability to present and publish the result of research at international level and documented research potential. Ability to conduct independent research. Proficiency in both written and oral English.

Potential candidates should send a cover letter outlining their research interests, motivation and suitability, a full CV and contact details of three referees via email to Dr Javier Fullea (jfullea@ucm.es) using the subject line “ESA”.