Several PhD and Postdoc opportunities

24 November, 2016

Modeling of Crustal Deformation Processes and Satellite Radar Interferometry (InSAR)

Several Ph.D. and Postdoc Opportunities in 2017

We are seeking highly motivated Ph.D students and Postdoctoral researchers for the Crustal Deformation and InSAR (CDI) group (http://cdi.kaust.edu.sa) within the Earth Science and Engineering program at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). 

KAUST is an international graduate-level research university with strong funding and outstanding facilities. Located by the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, KAUST is dedicated to the highest standards of merit-based opportunity, and seeks the finest students and researchers from all over the world. With its strong resources and world-class faculty, the university is already making an impact six years after its foundation; it currently ranks #1 in the world in “citations per faculty” (QS University Rankings). In addition, KAUST consists not only of unique research facilities, but also of a seaside town with housing, shops, schools, and many sport and recreational amenities.

Candidates chosen for the available positions will have considerable freedom in their research, as the positions are not tied to pre-defined projects.  Possible topics include: modeling of the earthquake cycle, earthquake sources, and volcanic processes, development of InSAR techniques and applications, as well as poro-elastic and fluid-flow modeling of reservoirs. Successful applicants will benefit in their research from access to an on-site super-computing center, high-end workstations, and advanced data processing and visualization facilities. In addition, the CDI group collaborates with many institutions in Europe, Asia and the US, so selected candidates will have opportunities to visit research partners, attend international conferences and to carry out or participate in fieldwork in the Red Sea region, Iceland, and other locations around the world.

Applicants should have a background in geophysics, physics, engineering, or a related field. Successful candidates should have strong analytical skills, and experience in programming, data analysis and/or geophysical modeling. Fluency in English is mandatory. Good interpersonal skills, willingness to work in a team of several researchers and students, and ability to present at international conferences are expected. 

Successful applicants will receive an experience-based competitive and tax-free salary (50-70k USD for postdocs, 25-30k USD for PhD students), free medical insurance, relocation, access to free or low-rent housing, as well as to kindergarten and schools for children.

To apply, please send (as PDFs) your CV, list of publications, a short statement of research interests, and names and Email addresses of at least two referees to Professor Sigurjon Jonsson (sigurjon.jonsson@kaust.edu.sa). Selection for the positions will start immediately (from 1 December 2016) and will continue until the positions are filled.