At the Paul Scherrer Institute  in the Ecosystem Fluxes and Stable Isotopes Group a postdoctoral position is open. The position is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) within the  SINERGIA project iTREE: Long-term variability of tree growth in a changing environment - identifying physiological mechanisms using  stable C and O Isotopes in TREE rings”.

iTREE is an interdisciplinary research framework between four different institutes, which enables leading dendro-climatologists, plant physiologists, isotope specialists, and global carbon cycle modelers to capitalize on their existing synergies. The object of the project is to reduce uncertainties related to estimations of tree/forest growth in the context of changing natural environments. 

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Fellow Tree and Forest Ecophysiological and  Stable Isotope Research

We offer a highly interesting position in an international, interdisciplinary research team, which is in strong interaction with our partner institutes in Bern, Zürich and Birmensdorf as well as with international partners. 

More informations are given under the link below. Please submit your application online (including list of publications, addresses of referees, statement of research experience and research goals) for the position as Postdoctoral Fellow  (index no. 5503-00) and use the following link
For further information please contact Dr Rolf Siegwolf, phone +41 56 310 27 86. Paul Scherrer Institut, Human Resources, Elke Baumann, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
www.psi.ch

Plus d'info : http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Lists/Job%20Openings/Attachments/655/2012_6776_6889.pdf

Profils des deux postes, ci-dessous :
- Tecto.
- Géomorphologie.

Post-doctorate position: Thermodynamic modeling of phase equilibrium in deep reservoirs

Context
The study of geological fluids and fluid-rock interactions in reservoirs needs a good knowledge of phase equilibrium and thermophysical properties. Modelling such phenomena becomes complex and challenging in the case of CO2-rich and deep basins where brines, CO2-rich phases and hydrocarbon phases coexist under high temperatures (up to 500°C) and high pressures (up to 2500 bar). For this purpose, the goal of this work is to develop electrolyte equations of state able to model phase equilibrium of pressurized systems involving ionic species.

Description
This research work is specifically focused on the CPA-Electrolyte equation of state for which preliminary developments have been carried out in the Thermodynamic Department of IFP Energies nouvelles. The main goal is to propose parameterizations of this equation of state adapted to systems and operating conditions encountered in deep reservoirs. Phase equilibrium and compositions of the CO2+CH4+H2O+NaCl system in various temperature, pressure and salinity ranges will be studied in a first time, before introducing new compounds (H2S, N2, H2 ...) and new salts (CaCl2, ...). The knowledge of phase densities is also necessary in the context of reservoir modelling. The ability of the parameterized equation of state to predict this property will be thus evaluated.

Skills
Knowledge in thermodynamic modeling (equation of state).
Knowledge in programming (Fortran, C++).

Duration : 1 year (can start 1st March 2012)
Location : IFP Energies nouvelles, Rueil-Malmaison, France
(www.ifpenergiesnouvelles.fr)
Contact : Nicolas Ferrando

School of Earth and Ocean Sciences (Cardiff University)
Location: London, UK and Cardiff, UK

This Natural Environment Research Council funded project will investigate the interaction of subducting slabs with the mantle transition zone, using a parallel, unstructured, adaptive mesh geodynamic code. The overall aim is to understand, using these advanced numerical simulations, how the transition zone acts as a valve, letting some, but not all slabs pass through into the lower mantle.
It is led by Dr. Huw Davies (Cardiff University) who will oversee the modelling, with co-Investigators Dr. Rhodri Davies (Imperial College London), Dr. Saskia Goes (Imperial College London) and Dr. Carolina Lithgow-Bertelloni (University College London) leading model development, seismic constraints and mineral thermodynamics respectively. 

We are looking for a motivated, experienced scientist with a strong track record in computational modeling and programming.  A PhD (or imminent award) or equivalent in a subject related to geodynamical modelling is essential.  A good record of publications in international journals is desired.
The successful candidate will reside in London, working at Imperial College, during year 1 and in Cardiff, working at Cardiff University, during years 2 and 3.  A contribution towards relocation costs is available.
This post is available immediately.  The position is fixed-term for 3 years.  This is a full-time position of 35 hours per week.

Salary: £30122 - £35938 per annum (Grade 6).  We do not expect the appointment to be made below £32901 per annum.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Huw Davies
Email for an application form quoting vacancy: 2012/0016.
Closing date:  17:00GMT on Friday 10 February 2012.