Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
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Postdoc in Experimental Geodynamic Modelling of Subduction and Mantle Flow Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in Netherlands
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Geology
Funding
The position offers a gross salary of €3,706 to €5,760 per month on a full-time basis, depending on education and experience, at Scale 10. It is a 1.0 FTE appointment initially for six months, extendable after satisfactory evaluation by one year to a total duration of 1.5 years. Benefits include 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, 232 hours of annual holiday leave for a 38-hour week, commuting contributions, sports facilities and partial home-working possibilities.
Deadline
Dec 7, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
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About this position
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher for the NWO-funded project “Unraveling the geometry of subduction-induced mantle flow.” The project investigates how subduction drives mantle flow and how the experimental subduction rate and mantle viscosity influence the resulting mantle velocity field.
The postdoc will develop, record and analyse laboratory-based experimental geodynamic models of subduction. The research will involve low-Reynolds-number fluid dynamics and detailed measurements of the evolving mantle flow field during progressive subduction. A sophisticated Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) system will be used to record and map flow within the Kuenen-Escher Geodynamics Laboratory (KEG Lab).
The position is embedded in the Geodynamics and Tectonics research group within the Department of Earth Sciences. Professor Wouter Schellart leads the project and will provide mentorship, supervision and guidance. The successful researcher will publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at national and international conferences.
The Department of Earth Sciences provides an international research environment with state-of-the-art facilities and expertise spanning Earth and planetary dynamics, climate and environmental dynamics, surface processes, sustainability, resources and society. The postdoc will join the Faculty of Science at VU Amsterdam, whose research combines experimental, technical, computational and interdisciplinary approaches to fundamental scientific problems.
Funding details
The position offers a gross salary of €3,706 to €5,760 per month on a full-time basis, depending on education and experience, at Scale 10. It is a 1.0 FTE appointment initially for six months, extendable after satisfactory evaluation by one year to a total duration of 1.5 years. Benefits include 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, 232 hours of annual holiday leave for a 38-hour week, commuting contributions, sports facilities and partial home-working possibilities.
What's required
Applicants must hold a PhD in Geology or Geophysics; have experience with laboratory-based analogue and/or numerical geodynamic modelling of geological processes, demonstrated by a track record of first-author peer-reviewed publications; have excellent written and spoken English; show strong scientific motivation and an interest in Solid Earth geodynamic processes; and be able to work independently and in a team with good social and communication skills. Experience modelling subduction or mantle dynamics is advantageous.
How to apply
Submit an application through the vacancy page; applications by email will not be considered. Include a maximum one-page cover letter, a maximum two-page CV and a publication list. Shortlisted candidates will later provide their PhD diploma, full CV and two academic references.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.