An opening exists to study for a PhD within the Earth and Planetary Magnetism Group, Department of Earth Sciences, ETH Zurich.The goal of this postgraduate position is to understand the mechanism by which planets, including the Earth, generate magnetic fields. The key is to understand the behaviour of rapidly rotating fluids in the presence of magnetic fields when stirred by imposed forces.

The Institute of Geophysics at ETH Zurich has an opening for a

PhD in theoretical and computational magnetohydrodynamics
This PhD focuses on the development of methods to analyse recent geomagnetic data in the framework of a dynamical model for the fluid mechanics of the Earth's core. A simplified version of the dynamics, in which the effects of finite core electrical resistivity are neglected, allows one to make a model of the evolution of the core's magnetic field which is more homogeneous and less affected by the effects of inhomogeneous data distribution in space and time. We will adopt the framework of data assimilation, but there is the opportunity for considerable theoretical and numerical development on the part of the student. In particular, developments of methods to conserve invariant quantities, such as energy, will be a particular focus.
The working language of the laboratory is English. A good background in physics is required but previous knowledge of geophysics is not essential. The student will be trained in the theory of fluid mechanics, scientific computing, and data storage and analysis. At the end of the PhD the student will have a firm grasp of fluid dynamics and magnetohydrodynamics and the theory of inverse problems. Students with backgrounds in engineering, physics, maths or computer science are encouraged to apply.
For more detailed information please contact Prof. Andrew Jackson, andrew.jackson@erdw.ethz.ch
There is no closing date but applications will be evaluated starting on July 1, 2010 and on receipt after this date. Please apply online via button “apply now” at www.jobs.ethz.ch and send your CV, a short statement of research interests and the names and addresses of two referees.