Project Scientist-Geophysics/Geodynamics

NATURE AND PURPOSE

The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in his/her academic discipline. The appointee possesses the subject matter expertise and the creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. The appointee will participate in activities to increase, improve, or upgrade competency. Appointees with Project (e.g., Scientist) titles may engage in University and public service. They do not have teaching responsibilities. Although the Project Scientist is expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member with an independent research program, he/she is not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. He/she will carry out research or creative programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries with it automatic Principal Investigator status. The Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do so by exception.

The Project Scientist is part of the NSF-funded DRIAR (Dry Rifting in Albertine and Rhino Graben) that seeks to advance understanding of the geodynamic controls on the initiation of magma poor rifting in the Western Branch of the East African Rift System (EARS). The project scientist will provide geophysics/geodynamics expertise contributing to an integrated 3-D geophysical, geological, geochemical, and geodynamic understanding of rifting processes. The Project Scientist receives guidance from the PI and Co-PI or designees but works independently in executing their duties.

Recent PhDs are welcome to apply.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

I. RESEARCH (85%)

Research activity (50%)

This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development in an active research program in utilizing modern geodynamic tools in advancing understanding of the geodynamic controls on the initiation of magma poor rifts.

The candidate may supervise students and/or postdocs in support of executing technical elements of the project, troubleshooting, and testing.

In this role, the project scientist will:

* Use gravity and magnetic data to constrain variations in crustal and lithospheric thickness and thermal structure along magma-poor segments of the East African Rift System

* Determine the regional temperature distribution at depth to investigate presence of any shallow magma sources

* Develop 3D density, temperature and compositional model of the upper mantle

* Joint inversion of gravity, seismic and magnetotelluric data to produce an integrated upper mantle model of the rift

* Engage with the DRIAR team

* Mentor graduate students and postdocs of the DRIAR team

* Aiding in the development and execution of joint research activities

* Engaging in the technical aspects of virtual, hybrid, and onsite event planning and coordination.

The Project Scientist is expected to have strong computational, numerical modeling, and analytical skills and the ability to integrate various geophysical datasets. Familiarity with geodynamic modeling techniques that incorporate thermal and mechanical processes and ASPECT mantle convection code is desireable

Publication (25%)

The candidate may publish research results in peer-reviewed journals or conference proceedings either independently or in collaboration with the PI or other members of the DRIAR research team.

Grant Acquisition (10%)

The candidate will assist in preparation of proposals for funding from federal and state agencies and other funding organizations. The candidate will prepare and assist in the preparation of reports as required by granting agencies. The candidate will interact with funding agencies and prepare modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPENTENCY (10%)

The candidate may participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to his/her specific field and will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The candidate will attend seminars to present research results and may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups. When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings or educational functions.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)

The candidate may participate in the administration of their units and the University through appropriate roles in governance and policy formulation. In addition, they may represent the University in their special capacity as scholars during the discharge of their responsibilities.

The candidate may engage in university service activities such as guest lecturing and committee service. Teaching classroom courses is not an expectation of this position.

* PhD in geophysics/geodynamics or related field

* strong computational, coding and numerical modeling skills.

* Familiarity with the integration of different geophysical data sets and joint inversion is desirable.

* Analytical skills, strong writing and communication skills, and good interpersonal skills.

* Ability to work both independently and cooperatively within a team.

* Relevant experience in developing scientific software for scientific applications in an open source environment.

* Working knowledge of common scientific data formats and their software tools and applications.

* Experience using the code ASPECT desired but not required

• 3 required (contact information only)

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