Postdoc in Experimental Geodynamic Modelling

Your function

Are you passionate about the Earth and its interior dynamics? Are you keen to make new discoveries about subduction and mantle flow processes? Do you get excited about laboratory-based geodynamic modelling? Then this vacancy might be something for you.

The vacancy is part of a project funded by the Dutch National Research Council (NWO) that focuses on laboratory-based geodynamic modelling of subduction and mantle flow processes.

Tasks for the postdoc position

The postdoc will develop, record and analyze experimental geodynamic models of subduction to test the influence of the experimental subduction rate and mantle viscosity on the mantle velocity field. Research will be published in peer-reviewed journals and the applicant will present the results at national and international conferences.

Your profile

Profile for the postdoc position

• PhD in Geology or Geophysics;
• experience with geodynamic modelling (laboratory-based (analogue) and/or numerical) of geological processes as evidenced by a track record of first-author, peer-reviewed, publications (experience with modelling of subduction/mantle dynamics will be considered advantageous);
• excellent ability to communicate in both written and spoken English;
• strong scientific motivation, and an interest in geodynamic processes of the Solid Earth;
• ability to work independently and in a team environment;
• good social skills and communication skills.

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognizing that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset. We realize that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognizes themselves in the profile above to apply.

What do we offer?

The selected candidate will become part of a world-class research team within the Department of Earth Sciences at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. We offer a competitive salary and benefits, and we strongly value a healthy work-life balance. You will live in or around the multicultural metropolis of Amsterdam. We offer you:

• a salary of minimum € 3.706,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.760,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• a position for 1.0 FTE. The appointment will initially be for six months. After satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, it will be extended by one year to a total duration of 1.5 years. Planned starting date is the first of May 2027.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• contribution to commuting expenses.
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge.
• the possibility to work partly from home.

About us

Project and research group

The project will involve experimental modelling of subduction and subduction-induced mantle flow (low Reynolds number fluid dynamics) to record and map the evolving mantle flow field during progressive subduction. Recording of the mantle flow field will be done using a sophisticated Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) system that is based in the Kuenen-Escher Geodynamics Laboratory (KEG Lab) within the Department of Earth Sciences. More information about the KEG Lab can be found here: https://vu.nl/en/about-vu/more-about/kuenen-escher-geodynamics-laboratory.

The research project will be embedded in the Geodynamics and Tectonics research group, led by Prof. Dr. Wouter Schellart. Wouter will lead the project and offer mentorship, supervision and guidance to the postdoc. For more information about the group, please visit https://vu.nl/en/research/more-about/geodynamics-tectonics. For more information about the project, please contact Wouter at [email protected].

Department of Earth Sciences

The department of Earth Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, offers a stimulating international research environment with world-class academic reputation, and excellent state-of-the-art facilities. Research in the department covers a wide range of fundamental and applied research topics, including Earth and planetary dynamics, climate and environmental dynamics, surface processes and landscape dynamics, and sustainability, resources, and society. Our strength lies in the ability to deliver fundamental knowledge on the functioning of our planet and are key to finding sustainable solutions to many problems related to natural resources, natural hazards, energy, and the environment that society is facing.

Faculty of Science

The department of Earth Sciences is part of VU’s Faculty of Science. Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programs. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

The Faculty of Science is VU’s largest faculty. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. We are located on 1 physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Interested

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.

Application for the postdoc position

Applications should include

• Cover letter with motivation (maximum 1 page)
• Short CV (maximum 2 pages)
• List of publications

Those candidates that are selected for the interview stage will be asked to provide a copy of their PhD diploma, a full CV and the names and contact details of two academic references beforehand.

A round of interviews will be scheduled in January 2027. The interviews will be online or on site (travel costs will be reimbursed), depending on logistical feasibility.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Your function

Are you passionate about the Earth and its interior dynamics? Are you keen to make new discoveries about subduction and mantle flow processes? Do you get excited about laboratory-based geodynamic modelling? Then this vacancy might be something for you.

The vacancy is part of a project funded by the Dutch National Research Council (NWO) that focuses on laboratory-based geodynamic modelling of subduction and mantle flow processes.

Tasks for the postdoc position

The postdoc will develop, record and analyze experimental geodynamic models of subduction to test the influence of the experimental subduction rate and mantle viscosity on the mantle velocity field. Research will be published in peer-reviewed journals and the applicant will present the results at national and international conferences.

Your profile

Profile for the postdoc position

• PhD in Geology or Geophysics;
• experience with geodynamic modelling (laboratory-based (analogue) and/or numerical) of geological processes as evidenced by a track record of first-author, peer-reviewed, publications (experience with modelling of subduction/mantle dynamics will be considered advantageous);
• excellent ability to communicate in both written and spoken English;
• strong scientific motivation, and an interest in geodynamic processes of the Solid Earth;
• ability to work independently and in a team environment;
• good social skills and communication skills.

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognizing that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset. We realize that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognizes themselves in the profile above to apply.

What do we offer?

The selected candidate will become part of a world-class research team within the Department of Earth Sciences at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. We offer a competitive salary and benefits, and we strongly value a healthy work-life balance. You will live in or around the multicultural metropolis of Amsterdam. We offer you:

• a salary of minimum € 3.706,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.760,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• a position for 1.0 FTE. The appointment will initially be for six months. After satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, it will be extended by one year to a total duration of 1.5 years. Planned starting date is the first of May 2027.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• contribution to commuting expenses.
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge.
• the possibility to work partly from home.

About us

Project and research group

The project will involve experimental modelling of subduction and subduction-induced mantle flow (low Reynolds number fluid dynamics) to record and map the evolving mantle flow field during progressive subduction. Recording of the mantle flow field will be done using a sophisticated Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) system that is based in the Kuenen-Escher Geodynamics Laboratory (KEG Lab) within the Department of Earth Sciences. More information about the KEG Lab can be found here: https://vu.nl/en/about-vu/more-about/kuenen-escher-geodynamics-laboratory.

The research project will be embedded in the Geodynamics and Tectonics research group, led by Prof. Dr. Wouter Schellart. Wouter will lead the project and offer mentorship, supervision and guidance to the postdoc. For more information about the group, please visit https://vu.nl/en/research/more-about/geodynamics-tectonics. For more information about the project, please contact Wouter at [email protected].

Department of Earth Sciences

The department of Earth Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, offers a stimulating international research environment with world-class academic reputation, and excellent state-of-the-art facilities. Research in the department covers a wide range of fundamental and applied research topics, including Earth and planetary dynamics, climate and environmental dynamics, surface processes and landscape dynamics, and sustainability, resources, and society. Our strength lies in the ability to deliver fundamental knowledge on the functioning of our planet and are key to finding sustainable solutions to many problems related to natural resources, natural hazards, energy, and the environment that society is facing.

Faculty of Science

The department of Earth Sciences is part of VU’s Faculty of Science. Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programs. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

The Faculty of Science is VU’s largest faculty. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. We are located on 1 physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Vragen over de vacature?

Neem contact op met

Wouter Schellart

Professor

Stuur een e-mail

Interested

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.

Application for the postdoc position

Applications should include

• Cover letter with motivation (maximum 1 page)
• Short CV (maximum 2 pages)
• List of publications

Those candidates that are selected for the interview stage will be asked to provide a copy of their PhD diploma, a full CV and the names and contact details of two academic references beforehand.

A round of interviews will be scheduled in January 2027. The interviews will be online or on site (travel costs will be reimbursed), depending on logistical feasibility.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Vragen over de vacature?

Neem contact op met

Wouter Schellart

Professor

Stuur een e-mail

Sollicitatieprocedure

Andere interessante vacatures

•

Post Doc: Learning interactions in collective cell migration

•

0.9 / 1

•

Faculty of Science

•

Researcher / Postdoc

•

MSc

•

Sluit op

31-12-2026

•

Publicatiedatum

20-07-2026

•

0.0 km

The Broedersz group (Theoretical physics of life) has an opening for a 2.5 year Post Doc position on the non-equilibrium statistical physics of collective cell migration.

Bekijk vacature

•

Postdoc in Neuroimaging, Neurodiversity and Brain Evolution

•

0.8 / 1

•

Faculty of Science

•

Researcher / Postdoc

•

Postdoc

•

Sluit op

15-12-2026

•

Publicatiedatum

26-10-2026

•

0.0 km

How does the organization of the human brain vary across individuals and species, and how has this diversity emerged over the course of evolution?

Bekijk vacature

•

Post Doc: Statistical physics of chromosomes

•

1 / 1

•

Faculty of Science

•

Researcher / Postdoc

•

MSc

•

Sluit op

30-12-2026

•

Publicatiedatum

21-10-2026

•

0.0 km

The Broedersz group (Theoretical physics of life) has an ERC funded opening for a 2-year Post Doc position on the statistical and dynamic organization of chromosomes.

Bekijk vacature

•

Postdoc Nature-based schoolyards

•

0.8 / 0.8

•

Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences

•

Researcher / Postdoc

•

Postdoc

•

Sluit op

19-11-2026

•

Publicatiedatum

27-10-2026

•

0.1 km

Schools are increasingly investing in nature-based schoolyards. Within the Resilient Roots project we are looking for a postdoc that to help us understand how their benefits may extend to surrounding communities.

Bekijk vacature

•

Postdoc in Topological Data Analysis

•

0.8 / 1

•

Faculty of Science

•

Researcher / Postdoc

•

Postdoc

•

Sluit op

[phone removed]

•

Publicatiedatum

[phone removed]

•

0.5 km

Do you have an inquisitive mind and a passion for mathematics? Please apply for a Postdoctoral position at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Bekijk vacature

•

Postdoc in Geometric and Combinatorial Topology

•

0.8 / 1

•

Faculty of Science

•

Researcher / Postdoc

•

MSc

•

Sluit op

[phone removed]

•

Publicatiedatum

28-10-2026

•

0.5 km

Do you have an inquisitive mind and a passion for Mathematics? Please apply for a Postdoctoral position at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Bekijk vacature

Mis jouw droombaan niet!