The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for research into the geosphere. With around 1,650 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.
For the Active Landscapes Systems group in section 4.7 "Earth Surface Process Modelling", we are looking for a:
Postdoctoral Researcher (f_m_x) in Volcanic Geomorphology
Reference Number 9687
We are looking to hiring a postdoctoral research scientist to study the geomorphological evolution and erosion of the Comoros archipelago, in order to test hypotheses regarding the chronology of volcanism and the geodynamic evolution of the area (hotspot or plate boundary?). Post-eruption aging of volcanic surfaces affects the morphology of drainage basins and river networks. The successful candidate will use tools of quantitative geomorphology (e.g., topographic analysis, landscape evolution modeling) to constrain the chronology of volcanism [Gourbet et al., 2024, O'Hara et al., 2024]. In addition, they will also take advantage of high-resolution satellite radar (SAR) data. Another potential objective of the project is to characterize lahar hazards and/or the impact of the 2018 seismic crisis on landslides occurrence. The main advisor will by Dr. Loraine Gourbet (GFZ, Earth Surface Process Modelling section), and the successful candidate will also work with Prof. Thomas Walter (GFZ, Physics of Earthquakes and Volcanoes section) and Prof. Nicolas Villeneuve (Réunion Island University).
Researchers in the Earth Surface Process Modelling section work on a broad range of themes and come from widely different backgrounds. We are committed to a collaborative environment to ensure that members can rely on each other’s support. We believe that a diverse team is a stronger team.
Your responsibilities:
Investigate the geomorphology and landscape evolution of the Comoros archipelago
Quantify erosion rates of the islands of the Comoros archipelago based on paleosurface reconstructions
Propose a relative chronology of the formation of the islands and volcano structures
Acquire and process satellite data, particularly on the active Karthala volcano
Publish in international peer-reviewed journals and present your results at international conferences
Contribute to writing proposals for external funding
Actively collaborate with members of the section and collaborating sections at GFZ
Your qualifications:
PhD in Earth Sciences (by the time of contract start)
Demonstrated interest in volcanic geomorphology
Proven familiarity with a programming language, ideally Matlab or Python
Familiarity with numerical modelling of landscape evolution is desirable
Desirable is experience in analysing remote sensing data (satellite SAR, Lidar, or drones)
Demonstrated excellence in publication (articles in revision will be taken into account)
Documented capacity for international teamwork and excellent communication skills
Proficiency in spoken and written English
