Postdoctoral Research Assitant in Geodynamics of Mid-Ocean Ridges

We are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) to join the OceanMelt project at the Department of Earth Sciences. The post is funded by the Royal Society and is available for a fixed-term duration of 24 months.

The researcher will work with Dr Adina Pusok to develop, test and use computer models to explore the key processes by which magma creates and shapes the ocean floor. Mid-ocean ridges represent the largest magmatic system on the planet, yet how magmatism interacts with tectonics to create the oceanic lithosphere remains unclear. This project will push capacity of current geodynamic models to include magma generation, transport, storage and extraction, coupled with the complex deformation of mantle and crustal rocks. The theoretical framework includes the dynamics of partially molten rock, incorporating a visco–elastic-viscoplastic rheological law that can represent diking on a continuum scale (Li et al., 2023). The computational framework includes tools to solve coupled systems of partial differential equations relevant for geodynamic problems (Pusok et al., 2022). Applications will focus on mid-ocean ridges, testing the effect of spreading rate, lithospheric strength and magma supply. Observations will be used to validate and constrain these models, which will be analysed in terms of the mechanical and thermal role of magmatism in producing the ocean floor fabric.

The postholder will develop numerical models using finite-difference methods with increasing complexity and benchmark against analytical solutions, adapt the existing theoretical and computational frameworks, including rheological and thermochemical models, relevant for modelling magmatic-tectonic cycles at mid-ocean ridge. They will also write manuscripts, present at national and international conferences and workshops and collaborate with colleagues in research groups and partner institutions.

About you

You will hold, (at the time of starting the post), a PhD/DPhil in a relevant field (e.g. geodynamics, theoretical and/or applied physics, engineering or applied mathematics) together with experience relevant to the objectives of the projects.

You will also have experience with computational modelling of continuum mechanical phenomena based on the solution of partial differential equations.

You must have the ability to manage your own academic research and associated activities and excellent communication skills including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at external meetings.

For further details of the role please see the job description. The post is available to start as soon as possible.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Adina Pusok (adina.pusok@earth.ox.ac.uk).

The deadline for applications is midday on 30 June 2024. Interviews will be held mid-July 2024.

You will be required to upload a CV and a Supporting Statement as part of your application. Please do not attach any manuscripts, papers, transcripts, mark sheets or certificates as these will not be considered as part of your application.

Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and ethnic minority candidates, who are under-represented in research posts in the Department.

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