PhD studentships in Geophysics, Earth and Planetary Magnetism groupInstitute for Geophysics

The Earth and Planetary Magnetism group within the Institute forGeophysics is seeking 3 post-graduatestudents to undertake research leading to the award of PhD. The EPMgroup has broad interestsspanning all aspects of magnetism in the Earth and planets, from atheoretical, observational andexperimental point of view. Prior study in Earth Science is not aprerequisite (see below).

We seek talented young researchers to undertake the following projects:
a) Investigation of the role of the magnetic field in the core in thedevelopment of textural anisotropy withinthe inner core, known to exist from seismological studies. Thisproject will involve the use of state-of-theart numerical models of magnetic field generation in the Earth.

b) Analysis of electromagnetic induction in the Earth fromground-based observations and satellites.Novel approaches to the extraction of relevant signal and modelling ofconductivity within the mantle willbe developed.

c) Development of new numerical methods for numerical simulation ofconvection in the Earth and giantplanets; other applications may be to general circulation models ofthe atmosphere, and climate change.This will involve new mathematical and computational developments.

Supervision of the projects will be jointly by Prof Andrew Jackson andother members of the researchgroup, currently numbering 6 staff. ETH offers outstanding researchfacilities, including access tosupercomputing facilities. Candidates with excellent first degrees inthe areas of physics, mathematics,computer science and geophysics are encouraged to apply.

The projects are of 3 years duration, are available immediately, areopen to all nationalities and aresupported by either the Swiss National Science Foundation or the ETH.

Applications should be sent by post and include a statement ofresearch interests, a CV and shouldinclude the names of two referees; they should be sent to ElisabethLaederach, Institute of Geophysics,ETH Hoenggerberg, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland. Applications will beginto be reviewed from August 31stand will continue until the positions are filled.