Our profile

The position is open in the Geological of Institute RWTH Aachen University, recently recognized as a centre of excellence in Germany. The successful applicant will work in an international team supervised by Prof. Dr. Janos Urai. We are interested in structural geology, tectonics and geomechanics from macro- to micro-scale including field, experimental and numerical modelling approaches. We have access to a powerful range of analytical facilities at the RWTH University as well as cooperations with major petroleum companies. For further information please visit our website http://www.ged.rwth-aachen.de.

Your profile

�PhD in a field related to Geology, Material Sciences or Mineral Physics
�Strong background in mineralogy, electron microscopy and/or physics
�Strong interest in the development of innovative methods and applications
�Proficiency in spoken and written English
�Motivated, enthusiastic, and participative work outlook to achieve team goals

Your duties

We have recently developed the use of the FIB-BIB-cryo-SEM for the in-situ investigation of microstructures in wet geomaterials. This is the combination of cryogenic techniques to vitrify the pore fluids by very fast cooling and excavation of the sample by FIB (Focussed Ion Beam) or BIB (Broad Ion beam) to prepare high quality polished cross-sections for high resolution imaging. This allows imaging of pore fluids, pore microstructures and 3D reconstruction of the pore space.
The projects will be funded by NAGRA and a number of major oil caompanies. We will study the porosity of Opalinus clay and of shale samples from drill cores in sedimentary basins, to develop new models of the grain microstructure and the pore space as the basis for mechanical and transport property modeling.

Our offer

The position is to be filled by 01.01.2009 and is for a fixed term of 3 years. Regular working hours are 39.83 hours a week. The pay scale classification complies with the labour agreement TV-L. RWTH Aachen University has been rewarded with the Total-E-Quality-Award for its efforts with respect to gender equality. In cases of equal qualification, aptitude and expertise of the applicants, female applicants will be given preferential treatment for those salary groups and careers in which females are underrepresented, unless there are preponderant reasons to give preference to another applicant.
Please refer to § 8 Article 6 of the North Rhine-Westphalian Equal Opportunities Act (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz NW).
RWTH Aachen University has been rewarded with the title disability-friendly (Prädikat behindertenfreundlich ) for its efforts with respect to training and employment of severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled people with appropriate suitability are explicitly welcome. This also applies to people with equal opportunities in accordance with § 2 SGB IX (Social Code).

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