Dear all,

We are looking for postdoctoral researchers to explore the transport properties of materials at high pressure and the implications for deep Earth geodynamics. Researcher A should have a background in high pressure experiments, and Researcher B expertise in numerical modelling for geodynamic or experimental applications.

The researchers will pursue innovative investigations that combine high pressure experiments and numerical models. They will join our interdisciplinary team based in Edinburgh, UK, engaged in the design, execution and interpretation of measurements of transport in minerals and melts under simultaneous high pressure and high temperature conditions in laboratory experiments, followed by exploration of implications for the deep Earth and other planetary geodynamic systems.  The project is supported by the European Research Council.

Experimental work (led by Researcher A) will be undertaken using the laser heated diamond anvil cell (LHDAC) and involves the development and application of diagnostics for measurement of transport processes at high pressure and high temperature conditions.  Experiments will be performed both in house at University of Edinburgh and at external facilities, including XFEL and synchrotron sources. The project’s methods will combine elements of traditional static high pressure (e.g. diamond anvil cell) and dynamic high pressure (e.g. shock wave) experimental research, so we encourage applicants with foundations in either (or both) of these areas.  Sample preparation (diamond anvil cell) and characterization (e.g. XRD, Raman, microscopy) will be essential in this role.

Modelling work (led by Researcher B) will be dedicated to development and customisation of numerical methods to plan and interpret high pressure experiments. Work will primarily involve numerical modelling of the experimental apparatus (the high pressure laser-heated diamond anvil cell) and the data obtained. Current approaches are focussed on finite element methods, but expertise in other relevant areas of numerical simulation will be considered particularly where these may bring in new modelling capacity. Participation in experimental work through data handling and analysis and laboratory computational and hands-on support is expected.  Experience with geophysical and geodynamic modelling (numerical or theoretical) for application to measurements is desirable.

These positions will be based at the University of Edinburgh, UK, at the Centre for Science at Extreme Conditions (CSEC), in association with the School of Physics and Astronomy and the School of GeoSciences, as well as the British Geological Survey.  The project is supported by the European Research Council.

We are especially looking for applicants with a background and interest in deep Earth geophysics and geodynamics or high pressure materials physics and chemistry, but will consider applicants from other disciplines with especially strong backgrounds in relevant techniques who are interested in engaging with a new scientific frontier.

The closing date for applications is August 23, 2021.  Links to the full job descriptions and online application system are below.

Researcher A (Experiments)
https://elxw.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1001/job/1644/?utm_medium=jobshare

Researcher B (Computation)
https://elxw.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1001/job/1645/?utm_medium=jobshare

Many thanks,
R. Stewart McWilliams
University of Edinburgh
rs.mcwilliams@ed.ac.uk
https://www2.ph.ed.ac.uk/~rmcwilli/
The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336. Is e buidheann carthannais a th’ ann an Oilthigh Dhùn Èideann, clàraichte an Alba, àireamh clàraidh SC005336.

Dear all,

I am looking for two postdoctoral researchers, one with a primary background in high pressure experiments, and another with experience in computational modelling.

The postdocs will investigate the transport properties of planetary interiors via high pressure experimental research.

The experiments use static compression techniques to perform thermal conductivity and viscosity measurements on metals and minerals.  This work combines a variety of experimental methods, and various backgrounds can fit into our team.  Experience in static or dynamic compression and synchrotron and free electron laser techniques is desired.

Computational modelling is primarily based on Finite Element Analysis, though other backgrounds in theory and numerical modelling can fit with our team, including modelling of geophysical systems and relevant technological systems.

The posts are funded by the European Research Council and will be based at University of Edinburgh in the Centre for Science at Extreme Conditions, though international travel will be routinely performed.

Applications can be made at:

https://elxw.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1001/job/8310

Please specify which of the two posts you would be most qualified for in a cover letter.

Please direct any inquiries to:
Prof. Stewart McWilliams
University of Edinburgh
rs.mcwilliams@ed.ac.uk
 
The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336. Is e buidheann carthannais a th’ ann an Oilthigh Dhùn Èideann, clàraichte an Alba, àireamh clàraidh SC005336.