Position Title: Researcher Assistant in Computational Geophysics (FIN4GEO)

Duration: 1 year with possibility of renewing

Location: University of Catania

Salary: €19367 per annum (gross salary)

Overview: Join the cutting-edge FIN4GEO project (Forward and Inverse Numerical modeling of hydrothermal systems in volcanic regions with application to GEOthermal energy exploitation), funded by the Italian Ministry for University and Research (MUR) under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRIN 2022 PNRR). The project is focused on advancing the understanding of subsurface hydrothermal systems in volcanic regions for efficient geothermal energy exploitation. This postdoctoral position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of a unified numerical modeling framework that integrates hydrological and geomechanical aspects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development of a coupled hydrological-geomechanical numerical model.
• Implement finite-difference methods for solving partial differential equations (PDEs).
• Utilize parallel computing through PETSc or MPI for efficient simulations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to analyze and interpret geophysical observables.
• Explore cutting-edge machine learning algorithms for the inversion of key parameters.

Essential Qualifications:

• Degree in a relevant field (e.g., Mathematics, Computational Science, Geophysics).
• Proficiency in implementing finite-difference methods using Matlab and/or C++.
• Strong background in numerical methods for PDEs
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Preferable Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., Mathematics, Computational Science, Geophysics).
• Experience with parallel computing, PETSc libraries or MPI

Project Details: The FIN4GEO project aims to create a unified framework for analyzing subsurface hydrothermal systems in volcanic regions. The project involves the development of a highly efficient and accurate coupled hydrological-geomechanical numerical model. This framework will enable precise analysis of temperature, pressure, fluid flow, and geophysical observables related to hydrothermal fluid circulation.

How to Apply: The call for applications is available at the following link: https://www.unict.it/it/bandi/ricerca-e-trasferimento-tecnologico/dipartimento-di-matematica-e-informatica-selezione-5. The application can be submitted at the following link https://concorsi.unict.it.

About the Project Partners:

• University of Catania: Leading the development of forward models with expertise in numerical methods for PDEs.
• Gran Sasso Science Institute: Contributing to the analysis of the forward model and inversion algorithm, specializing in machine learning and model order reduction techniques.
• Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia: Driving the application to the case study, providing observable data, interpreting results, and validating the model.

Project Impact: Beyond geothermal energy, FIN4GEO will generate expertise applicable to various domains, including nuclear waste disposal, oil and gas reservoir recovery, and carbon capture and storage.

Join us in advancing the understanding of volcanic processes and contributing to a cleaner, more efficient energy future!