The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for research into the geosphere. With around 1,500 employees, we develop a sound understanding of systems and processes of the solid Earth as well as strategies and options for action to counter global change, understand natural hazards and sustainably secure energy and raw material requirements.

This doctoral position is part of the “ROTTnROCK” working group, a synergy project funded by the European Research Council. Candidates with expertise in the subject fields – structural geology, geophysics – are encouraged to apply. The position will be funded for the entire duration of the PhD programme, which is 36 months, and also covers funds for computer power, field works, visiting conferences and workshops, and publication charges.

Your responsibilities:

We are seeking applications for a doctoral project that aims to better understand the role of hydrothermal alteration during the evolution and dynamics of volcanoes. Faults developing at volcanoes associated with calderas, pit craters, flank instability, dike intrusions and regional tectonics are considered.

• You will explore the two-way relationship between alteration and faulting: What is the exact location of hydrothermal alteration that occurs at faults crossing volcanoes, and is faulting influenced by alteration due to weakening and permeability changes?
• You will work with drone and remote sensing techniques at selected calderas and ring faults.
• You will map the topography, geomorphology and structures, carry out field studies to determine alterations with optical, thermal and hyperspectral sensors, and study the structural control of alteration. 

Your qualifications:

• MSc (or equivalent) in Earth Sciences (Geophysics, Geology)
• Proven interest and knowledge in volcanology
• Knowledge in structural geology and geophysics
• Knowledge in remote sensing, photogrammetry and computer vision 
• Interest in 3D object reconstruction, classification, and machine learning
• Ability to plan to conduct independent field work 
• Drone pilot license is advantageous (level A1/A3)
• Fluent in English