As part of a joint project, the Department of Earth Sciences at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and TNO - Geological Survey of the Netherlands seek a highly motivated, high-potential applicant for a PhD position to work within a research project funded by the Geological Survey, entitled “Controls on Miocene sediment dispersal in the Roer Valley Graben in the Southern Netherlands. FTE: 1 - 1 Job descriptionThe Miocene of the Roer Valley Rift System and the surrounding areas consists of a laterally and vertically variable sequence of shallow marine, coastal and fluvial deposits. The sediment distribution within this coastal system was controlled by tectonic, climatic and (glacio)eustatic processes. As a result, the sedimentary deposits consist of a large number of sequences with bounding unconformities difficult to recognise on simple lithological grounds. Only a detailed reconstruction of the stratigraphic development and a better understanding of mineralogical and physical sediment properties will enable a correct correlation of both water-bearing, sandy units (aquifers), and sealing clay layers (aquitards) in an area that is compartmentalised by neotectonic faulting. This knowledge is relevant for applications in both hydrogeology and geothermal engineering (energy production, thermal energy storage). The research will consist of the following elements:
The work will be carried out partly (50%) at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and partly (50%) at TNO-Geological Survey of the Netherlands (Utrecht). Both institutes will jointly supervise the research project. The advisory team is highly interdisciplinary and includes project leaders Prof. Dr. Ronald van Balen (promotor, VUA) and Dr. Johan ten Veen (co-promotor, TNO). The research will be performed at the Department of Earth Sciences (VUA) and the Geological Survey of the Netherlands (TNO).
Requirements
What are we offering?A challenging position in a socially involved organization. The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts €2,395 (PhD) per month during the first year and increases to €3,061 (PhD) per month during the fourth year, based on a full-time employment. The job profile: is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 1 FTE.
About Vrije Universiteit AmsterdamThe ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavour – from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences. We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences. The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad. About the department, institute, project The Department of Earth Sciences studies the Earth with emphasis on the interactions between the geo-, hydro-, bio-, cryo-, and atmosphere. Our main goal is to improve our understanding of the processes (including anthropogenic) that ultimately shape our planet and affect our daily lives. We offer high-class teaching and carry out our ambitious and innovative research in a dynamic academic environment, supported by excellent research facilities. For furthe information see: http://science.vu.nl/en/research/earth-sciences/ TNO - Geological survey of the Netherlands operates the national geoscientific databases DINO and BRO, creates 3-D models of the Dutch subsurface in order to identify resource and geohazard potential, and advises the government on a variety geological matters. Our 3-D models predict the architecture and characteristics of the Dutch subsurface down to depths of about 5 km. Mapping, including supporting research activities, is carried out by the Geomodelling Department. It consists of ca. 60 highly enthusiastic professionals, most of whom have a background in the Earth Sciences. Currently, 3D mapping is being extended into the offshore domain. New scientific insights from the North Sea area form an essential basis for this. Equally importantly, they help us to explain past and predict possible future changes in climate and sea level, and understand their impacts on society. ApplicationAre you interested in this position? Please apply via the application button and upload your curriculum vitae and cover letter until January 31, 2021.
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