University Assistant (predoc): Sedimentary Record of Recent Glaciation in Tirol and Carinthia
Supervision: Daniel Le Heron (Department of Geology) with Bethan Davies (Royal Holloway, University of London, UK) and Bernhard Grasemann (Department of Geology)
Project outline:
This study aims to quantify the rates of change operating at both the Gepatsch Ferner (Tirol) and Pasterze (Carinthia) glaciers in terms of sediment removal and sediment production. The Gepatsch Ferner is one of several Tirolean valley glaciers that has undergone retreat since the Little Ice Age in 1850, leaving a geomorphic record of complex subglacial bedforms, glacial deposits, fluvial deposits and slope-derived talus in the valley. The Gepatsch is a debris-poor glacier whose forefield accessibility, coupled with the quality of the outcrops, make it an ideal location to study the role of sediment in the construction of subglacial bedforms, and their modification by meltwater systems over the last 20 years. By contrast, the Pasterze Glacier is a debris rich glacier whose snout terminates in a small proglacial lake. This study will build on work done in the Department of Geology in the last few years which has focussed on the acquisition of tens of thousands of aerial photographs from UAVs, and dovetail the collection of new drone-borne imagery and its interpretation with traditional sedimentological approaches. A common assumption is that facies models of glacial systems need to incorporate “dramatic” lateral facies changes, yet there have been no attempts to quantify this e.g. by the production of differential digital elevation models in Austria. This project will attempt to answer this fundamental question, with major implications for how we interpret the Quaternary and Deep Time glacial records.
Job Description:
● 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
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
Expected starting date: As soon as possible
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.
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.