Research Fellow in Geophysics HN)

Research Fellow Opportunity: Unraveling Seafloor Spreading Dynamics

This is an exciting opportunity for a talented Research Fellow to contribute to a groundbreaking international research project focused on the evolution of magmatism and serpentinization during the initiation of seafloor spreading. If you are passionate about geophysical research and possess a strong publication record, this role offers a unique chance to work with cutting-edge data and collaborate with leading institutions.

The Opportunity in Detail:

The core of this research involves the innovative integration of seismic velocity and resistivity models. You will be working with a newly acquired, coincident dataset encompassing wide-angle seismic, controlled source electromagnetic (CSEM), and magnetotelluric (MT) data. This project is part of a significant initiative funded by the UK Natural Environment Research Council and the US National Science Foundation, aiming to quantify the complex processes at a magma-poor rifted margin as seafloor spreading begins.

Serpentinized mantle rocks are significantly more conductive than mafic crustal rocks, making CSEM and MT techniques invaluable tools for resolving controversies surrounding lithospheric structure. The project leverages a pioneering joint CSEM, MT, and seismic experiment conducted in August-September 2023 at the sediment-starved Goban Spur rifted margin. This location, southwest of the UK, is ideal due to its thin sediment cover, narrow continent-ocean transition, and existing deep seismic reflection data, offering a prime setting for this in-depth study.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Cutting-Edge Data: Work with a unique and comprehensive dataset derived from a recently acquired, coincident wide-angle seismic, CSEM, and MT experiment. This provides a rare opportunity to analyze and integrate multiple geophysical methods.
• Impactful Research: Contribute to a significant international project addressing fundamental questions about the Earth's lithospheric evolution at the onset of seafloor spreading. Your findings will have direct implications for understanding geological processes.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Join an international team and collaborate with renowned researchers from the National Oceanography Centre, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and the University of Bremen. This offers invaluable experience in cross-institutional and international teamwork.
• Skill Development: This role offers a chance to apply and potentially deepen your expertise in areas such as rock physics modeling, geophysical data analysis, and the integration of diverse geophysical datasets.
• Publication Potential: The emphasis on a strong publication record suggests an environment that supports and encourages high-quality research output.
• Prestigious Location: The position is based at the University of Southampton's Waterfront Campus at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton, a world-leading hub for ocean and earth science research.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Specialization Focus: The ideal candidate will have skills in applying rock physics models to seismic and/or resistivity data. However, applicants with a strong background in relevant geophysical data analysis will also be considered. Carefully assess how your existing skills align with this emphasis.
• Fixed-Term Contract: This is a fixed-term position for 19 months. Consider how this timeframe aligns with your long-term career goals and your desire for focused, project-driven research.
• Academic Rigor: The role requires a proven publication record, indicating a need for strong research methodologies, analytical skills, and the ability to disseminate findings effectively.
• Collaborative Environment: Success in this role will depend on your ability to collaborate effectively within a diverse international team.

This Research Fellow position represents an exceptional chance to make a significant contribution to our understanding of Earth's dynamic processes. If you are an ambitious geophysicist with a passion for unraveling complex datasets and a desire to collaborate on an international scale, we encourage you to explore this exciting opportunity further.