Postdoctoral position in numerical modelling of fluid mobility and rheology across timescales in subduction zones

Dead line 15/05/2025

Details about the offer :

Project: COLDNOSE: deciphering fluid-rock interaction and deformation above the deep subduction interface

Hosting laboratory: Laboratoire de Géologie de Lyon (LGL-TPE), ENS de Lyon, France – and Institute of geophysics, ETH of Zürich, Switzerland

Duration: One-year position starting in October 2025, with possibility of up to two renewals.

Gross salary: 2,750 – 3,500 € per month depending on experience. Salaries include Health and Retirement benefits.

Context and objectives:

The ANR-funded COLDNOSE project aims at studying using a multi-method approach the fluid-rock interaction events that occur along and above subduction interfaces and their rheological effect at various timescales. Understanding where seismicity is expected in an actively deforming system is crucial for correlating modelled structures with fossil and active margin seismicity. The seismo-thermo-mechanical code that will be used aims at simulating seismogenesis in a realistic subduction zone considering fluid-controlled plastic weakening in the presence of short-term spatiotemporal variations of pore-fluid pressure together with rate-dependent friction (e.g. Dal Zilio & Gerya, 2022; Gerya, 2024). This modeling approach will benefit and build from the scientific input from other COLDNOSE team members that will focus on other geological and geodynamic tasks. This integrated approach opens perspectives for better understanding fluid-rock interaction processes and their link with mantle hydration above the subduction interface on both geodynamic (up to Myrs) and seismo-tectonic timescales (decades to Kyrs).

Working Environment:

The LGL-TPE, ENS de Lyon, France (https://lgltpe.fr/) is a leading institution in the field of Earth Sciences in France, with a variety of experts from geodynamics and geology to seismology and geodesy. The hired candidate will be based in Lyon with several stays in Zürich to collaborate with the group of Prof. Gerya. The project will be supervised by Prof. Samuel Angiboust (LGL-TPE – PI, geology) and Prof. Taras Gerya (ETH Zürich, geodynamic modelling).

Essential qualifications:

  • PhD in geodynamics (or related topic) with a good understanding of geological and/or rheological processes

  • Proven track record of publications and conferences

  • Hands-on experience with geodynamic modelling codes

  • A very good command of written and spoken English is required

  • Autonomy, collaborative skills and ability to work within an interdisciplinary team.

Application:

ENS Lyon is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including those from underrepresented groups in Earth sciences. Candidates are welcome to contact Samuel Angiboust (samuel.angiboust@ens-lyon.fr) for further information. Application forms should be sent before May 15th, 2025, and contain a cover letter, a CV with a list of publications, and the names and contact information of 2-3 references.

S.Angiboust webpage