University Assistant (predoc): Palaeozoic Glacial Landsystems

Supervision: Daniel Le Heron (Department of Geology) with Jean-Francois Ghienne (University of Strasbourg, France) and Moussa Abderamane (N’Djamena University, Chad)

 

Project outline:

With the advent of free satellite imagery and rapidly evolving uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, we are able to map ancient glacial landsurfaces to an unprecedented degree of resolution. We are able to learn about thermal regime, meltwater pathways, and the stability of ice sheets in deep time, especially when dovetailed with detailed fieldwork. In this project, we will focus on the evolution of a Late Palaeozoic landsystem in Chad which was only discovered in 2018, but yet covers the majority of the Ennedi plateau. It is anticipated that the student will, together with the supervisors, conduct fieldwork in northern Chad. The study area includes rocks that have only been mapped at a reconnaissance level, and from which no peer-reviewed literature exists. Thus, in terms of Saharan geology, the central Ennedi plateau is one of the remotest and inaccessible study areas, but boasts excellent exposures. Fieldwork is likely to involve (i) attempts to date the rocks (only loosely constrained to Devonian-Carboniferous on the basis on plant fossils), (ii) establishment of a glacial stratigraphy, with emphasis on the number of glacial cycles and (iii) palaeo-geomorphology and reconstruction of subglacial bed conditions. The candidate must be prepared for long periods of camping outside with no tent, basic conditions, no running water, and possess a spirit of adventure.

 

Job Description:               

The position aims to deepen and extend the professional and scientific education targeting a doctoral degree. Tasks and responsibilities include:

●        Independent research and development of an academic profile targeting a doctoral degree. We expect the successful candidate to sign a doctoral thesis agreement within 12 months.
●        Participation in research, teaching and administration of the research group/department
●        Participation in publications / academic articles / presentations
●        Participation in teaching and independent teaching of courses as defined by the collective agreement ●        Supervision of students
●        Participation in evaluation activities and in quality assurance
●        Involvement in the organisation of conferences, workshops, meetings
●        Support in preparation of research proposals and acquisition of third-party funding is important. The position supports a salary but not fieldwork, which must be applied for.

 

The candidate who is selected for this position joins VISESS as a PhD student member.


Profile:

●        Earth Sciences: Master Degree or equivalent
●        Excellent command of written and spoken English
●        Familiarity and expertise with satellite image mapping and GIS skills

 

Expected starting date: Ideally November 2022

 

Duration of employment: 4 years. The employment relationship is initially limited to 1.5 years and automatically extended to a total of 4 years, unless the employer submits a declaration of non-renewal after a maximum of 12 months.

 

We offer:

●        Job grading in accordance with collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) with relevant work experience determining the assignment to a particular salary grade
●        An active and inspiring research environment, a vibrant PhD community and many ways to connect with peers from home and abroad on a social and professional level
●        A broad range of interdisciplinary training possibilities and school activities, such as leadership skill trainings, workshops, seminars, mobility and summer schools

 

Extent of employment: 30 hours/week

 

Application: Interested students can apply until the deadline of 15 April 2022 via: <https://visess.univie.ac.at/how-to-apply/>.

 

Further information: For further information, please contact <admin.visess@univie.ac.at>.

The University pursues a non-discriminatory employment policy and values equal opportunities, as well as diversity (http://diversity.univie.ac.at/). The University lays special emphasis on increasing the number of women in senior and in academic positions. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female applicants.