“Multi-scale high resolution geophysical imaging of Krafla sub-volcanic system”

A Research PhD position at ISTerre, Université Savoie Mont-Blanc in the IMPROVE ITN project funded by the EC, ESR 12

About the position
We have a vacancy for a PhD Candidate at the Institut des Sciences de la Terre(ISTerre), Université Savoie Mont Blanc(USMB), France, for research activities in the frame of the EU H2020-MSCA-ITN-2019 project IMPROVE : http://www.improve-etn.eu/

The IMPROVE project will perform research to define the underground structure and dynamics of volcanic and geothermal systems aiming to significantly impact volcano science and the science–industry relationship. The project will employ exploration and monitoring approaches and disciplines such as geology, geophysics, geochemistry, engineering and informatics. The IMPROVE consortium consists of nine academic beneficiaries, one partner from a state-owned company in the energy sector and two technology-developing SMEs.
The PhD at USMB will participate in a geophysical campaign on the Krafla (Iceland) volcanic and geothermal zone in summer 2022. The geophysical measurements will consist of seismic measurements on a dense array, and electrical resistivity measurements (by both DC and Magneto-Telluric methods). Afterwards, he will be in charge of the processing, analysis of the measurements and structural/fluid modelling of the studied area. .
In detail, the deployment of a dense seismic network will allow the imaging of this volcanic/geothermal structure by seismic noise cross-correlation and potentially to detect any fine velocity variation that may appear during the seismic recording. In addition, these data will also be used to monitor and locate the seismic activity, by using template matching methods for example. In parallel, the ERT DC measurements acquired with an electrical network and the Magneto-telluric measurements will be processed and analyzed in a multi-scale and complementary framework to obtain 3D electrical resistivity images at different scales and resolutions. The processing of these data will require the use of existing algorithms that will have to be adapted to the specificity of the data sets.
All these data will then be jointly quantitatively interpreted in terms of geological structures and fluid’s substitution scenarios via rock physics models in order to better assess the current state and behavior of the geothermal system. The relationship between seismic activity and these structures will be scrutinized. Again, algorithmic developments may be necessary for this step, especially if data fusion is envisaged.
This research will be supervised by Dr J. Vandemeulebrouck and Pr. Stéphane Garambois and will be carried out within two research teams, “Volcanic geophysics & Geothermics” and “Waves and Structures” within the ISterre laboratory, with many interactions with other researchers and PhD students of these teams.

Required selection criteria
You must not have resided or carried out your main activity in the country of the host institution (France) for more than 12 months in the 3 years preceding the date of recruitment.
You must have a professionally relevant background in geophysics, physics, mathematics, engineering or equivalent education.
Your education must correspond to a five-year european degree programme, where 120 credits are obtained at master’s level
You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and an excellent grade from the master’s degree program.
You have a research experience (5 or more months long) during your Master’s in a domain relevant to the project, your internship being in a research laboratory (public or private).
You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty’s doctoral program (Ecole Doctorale de Grenoble STEP)
Strong theoretical and applied background in signal processing of times series
Programming skills in MATLAB, C, Python, or similar
Strong theoretical background in mathematics and physics

Preferred selection criteria
Background and interest in geophysics and in signal processing
Excellent written and oral English language skills, knowledge of French would be appreciated.

Personal characteristics
Strong analytical skills
Enthusiastic, able to adapt and learn
Highly motivated and scientifically curious
Positive attitude and interested in teamwork
Ability to take initiative and to work independently

We offer
Exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment : ISTerre is an internationally renowned Institute with 300 staff and 9 research teams. The PhD will be hosted in two research teams : "Volcano geophysics and Geothermy", and "Waves and Structures".
The candidate will be able to interact with all the researchers of the laboratories of IMPROVE ITN project.
In addition, you will work for several months at the following 5 institutions during the PhD : University of Iceland and Landsvirkjun icelandic geothermal company ; University of Bristol, DIAS (Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies), and INGV(Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia) Pisa.

Salary and conditions
Salary : According to the European Commission and local standards ; minimum gross wage is 3500 euros before local taxes, plus a mobility allowance and possibly a family allowance.
The period of employment is 3 years.
Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in Earth Sciences at “Ecole Doctorale STEP de Grenoble”, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period.
The qualifications of the applicant will be assessed by the Selection committee. On the basis of the recommendation of the Selection committee, the Dean of the Doctoral School of University Grenoble Alpes will make the final decision for allocating the stipend.

About the application
The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.
Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that applications are only evaluated based on the information available on the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above.

The Application must be in a form of a single PDF file including :
CV, certificates and diplomas
Transcripts and diplomas for bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
A copy of the master’s thesis or draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed master’s degree must be presented before taking up the position
Brief project proposal (1 page maximum)
Letters of two referees
If you have them, publications or other relevant research work
Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation.
In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal and interpersonal qualities. Motivation, ambitions, and potential will also count in the assessment of the candidates.

General information
– A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. IMPROVE ensures equal opportunities with respect to gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other aspects different from quality and competence.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Dr. Jean Vandemeulebrouck, tel. :+33 479758485, e-mail : jvand univ-smb.fr.
Please submit your application electronically to jvand univ-smb.fr
For more information of Doctoral School :
https://doctorat.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/

Application deadline : 15 January 2022.