Near Surface Geophysics Focus Group

Postdoctoral Position in Applied Geophysics/Environmental Geophysics/Hydrogeophysics. The Applied Geophysics Group at University of Bonn has an opening for a Postdoctoral scientist on the recently funded FP7 EU research project ModelPROBE (Model-driven soil probing, site assessment and evaluation), involving 19 partners from 9 European countries. The appointment will be for an initial period of two years, optionally for a third year depending on performance. The main research task is to develop 4D (3D+time/frequency) complex resistivity inversion, based on existing 2D and 3D codes, for the imaging, characterization, and monitoring of subsurface contamination. The ideal candidate has a strong expertise in finite-element modeling, inversion methods, and programming experience in FORTRAN. Good knowledge of English is essential, and a working understanding of German is welcome. Contributing to teaching courses in applied geophysics is possible, but not mandatory. Research will be conducted in close collaboration with project partners at Lancaster University and University of Padua. To apply please email your resume together with the names of two referees to Professor Andreas Kemna (application@geo.uni-bonn.de). Deadline for receipt of applications is August 31, 2008.
 

Two Postdoctoral Positions in Applied, Engineering, and Environmental Geophysics, ETH Zurich The Applied and Environmental Geophysics (AUG) Group at ETH (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) in Zurich has openings for two gifted young geophysicist at the post-doctoral level. The appointments will be for an initial period of two years. Subject to good performance and funding, one of the positions may be extended for an additional two years. We seek excellent scientists who have expertise and interests in theoretical and/or practical aspects of applied, engineering, and environmental geophysics (including hydrogeophysics). The successful candidates will be expected to: (i) initiate and conduct their own research projects, (ii) co-supervise undergraduate- and graduate-level thesis projects, and (iii) contribute to the teaching of applied, engineering and environmental geophysics courses. Furthermore, they will participate in the teaching of a recently launched joint MSc degree in Applied Geophysics with colleagues at the Technical University of Delft (TUD) and the Aachen University of Technology (RWTH). Good knowledge of English is essential and it would be an advantage, although not essential, to have a working understanding of German. At the time of appointment, the successful candidate must have a doctoral degree in geophysics or related subject. Information on AUG's research activities can be found at http://www.aug.geophys.ethz.ch/ and the joint MSc degree at http://www.idealeague.org/geophysics/.  To apply please post or email your resume together with the names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of two referees to Professor Alan G. Green, Institute of Geophysics, ETH-Zürich, CH-8093, Zürich, Switzerland, green@aug.ig.erdw.ethz.ch. Deadline for receipt of applications is June 30, 2008.
 

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Environmental Geochemistry/ Biogeophysics, University of Leeds University Grade 6 (£22332 - £26,666) The PDRA appointment is to work on a Leverhulme Trust funded project titled "Electrical Monitoring of Biostimulation to Remediate Subsurface Contamination" with Dr Jared West, Dr Katherine Morris and Dr Sam Shaw in the School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds. The project will also involve collaboration with Dr Bernd Kulessa at the University of Swansea and Dr Joe Small from Nexia Solutions (www.nexiasolutions.com). The overall goal of this project is to provide a coherent physical explanation of the ability of soil- and groundwater- cleaning microorganisms to produce electrical signals, and to identify the potential to use such signals to monitor biostimulation cleanup operations. This will be achieved by combining existing laboratory microcosm approaches to well characterized sediments from the Sellafield nuclear site, Cumbria, UK, with measurement of electrical signals generated under a range of geomicrobiological conditions and characterization of the system using a range of advanced microanalytical techniques. The understanding of underlying mechanisms will then be used to develop the theoretical framework for these biogeophysical processes. The results of the work are expected to have wide application in monitoring strategies in the environment, and in other areas where the same fundamental physical processes operate, such as the development of microbial fuel cells as a future energy source. For full details of the position and person specification please see http://www.see.leeds.ac.uk/vacancies/index.htm. Extensive training will be provided in new techniques as required. This position is for 2 years and is available from September/October 2008. Closing date May 30th 2008. Interviews will be held in June/July 2008. Informal enquiries to Dr Jared West, School of Earth and Environment, j.west@see.leeds.ac.uk; tel. +44 (0)113 343 5253. To apply on line please visit http://www.leeds.ac.uk and click 'jobs'. Application packs are also available from Mrs Kate Higham, School of Earth and Environment, EC Stoner Building, tell (0113) 343 5201, email k.higham@earth.leeds.ac.uk.
 

One Postdoctoral Position and 2 PhD Positions in Hydrogeophysics: Surface Water - Groundwater Interaction and Contaminant Transport, Hydrogeophysics Group, Århus University, Denmark The Technical University of Denmark, Department of Environmental Engineering Applications are invited for 2 funded PhD scholarships in hydrogeophysics. Funding is available for three years from the Danish Strategic Research Council through the Riskpoint project. Annual salary starts at 40,000 EUR plus pension/holiday pay. The Riskpoint project aims to develop a complete risk assessment tool that can be used to identify and prioritize clean up and management of point sources of contamination to groundwater. Water-borne contaminants are transported across the different compartments of the hydrological cycle. The EU water framework directive emphasizes the continuity of water and contaminant fluxes across the groundwater-surface water interface. Non-invasive geophysical techniques offer a wide spectrum of innovative technologies to map the parameters governing water flow and solute transport at the groundwater - surface water interface. This project will focus on a well-instrumented Danish field site and will implement different 4D geophysical monitoring techniques (resistivity imaging/IP, TDEM, MRS) to set up and constrain detailed reactive contaminant transport models. For these positions we seek young researchers (MSc in Sciences or Engineering) with a strong mathematical background and interest in geophysics and hydrological modeling. We expect good communication skills, both verbally and in writing and willingness to travel. For the post-doctoral position (based at Århus University), experience in resistivity /IP methods or MRS, field experience and project management skills are advantageous. For the PhD position at Århus University, experience with the MRS method is an advantage. The PhD position at DTU requires a strong background in numerical flow and contaminant transport modeling. Please send an application and CV plus contact details of 2 references by email to Associate Professor Esben Auken (esben.auken@geo.au.dk) and Associate Professor Peter Bauer-Gottwein (pbg@er.dtu.dk). The application will stay open until August 1st, 2008. The positions will be filled as soon as suitable candidates are identified. Funding is available for an immediate start but the starting date is negotiable. For more information, please contact Esben Auken or Peter Bauer-Gottwein. See also www.hgg.au.dk and www.env.dtu.dk.