Research Fellow: Computational modelling of volatiles in the Earth's mantle

Working with Dr Andrew Walker, you will work on the ‘Volatiles, Geodynamics & Solid Earth Controls on the Habitable Planet' research program. Your focus will involve the use of atomic scale simulation techniques to explain the mechanism by which the addition of trace amounts of hydrogen to the Earth’s upper mantle leads to dramatic changes in mantle rheology and exploring how this process controls global geodynamics. Specifically you will undertake simulations of point defects and dislocations in upper mantle minerals making use of density functional theory and force-field based methods.

With a PhD (or close to completion) in physics, chemistry, geophysics or a closely allied discipline, where the principle focus was atomic scale simulation of the solid state, you will also have experience of software and model development. Knowledge of deformation mechanisms in mantle minerals, and an understanding of how these relate to planetary scale dynamics would be an advantage.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Dr Andrew Walker, NERC Independent Research Fellow
Tel: +44 (0)113 343 3803,  Email: A.Walker@leeds.ac.uk