Research MSc Student Position in Airborne Electromagnetics

The Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) invites applications for a one-year MSc research student position in airborne electromagnetics. The position is at the Geophysics Section, DIAS, and is funded by the RAFTA project (Resolution Analyses for Frequency- and Time-Domain Airborne Electromagnetic Data of the Irish Tellus Programme). The successful candidate will be registered for their MSc degree at University College Dublin (UCD).

Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) geophysics has been increasingly applied to investigate large areas of the subsurface due to its time and cost efficiency in producing spatially extensive datasets and its ability to provide high-resolution information about electrical conductivity properties of the shallow subsurface. The Tellus programme, operated by the Geological Survey Ireland, is a national programme gathering geochemical and airborne geophysical data across Ireland. As part of the geophysics programme, time-domain electromagnetic data were measured in one survey block in 2014 and frequency-domain data have been acquired in other data blocks since 2011. The subsurface resolution capabilities of both datasets are currently poorly understood. The RAFTA project (and the successful candidate) will examine the model resolution capabilities of both the frequency-domain and time-domain data and will consider all aspects of the data that affect resolution, including flight height, system noise and anthropogenic noise. The resistivity models and model resolutions derived from recorded EM data will be tested against other independent constraints where available that will include borehole geological logs, wireline resistivity logs and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) sections, where possible at test locations of interest in groundwater, bedrock and Quaternary mapping. The maximum depth of investigation provided by these data are well suited for investigation of, e.g., overburden thickness; nature of overburden material, including Quaternary deposits; depth to bedrock; bedrock lithology and lithological variation with depth and subsurface aquifers. Understanding the resolution capabilities of both data types and models will greatly enhance the ability of model end-users to use the models and confidently interpret the features in them.

MSc Studentship duration: 1 year

Stipend: €18,500, tax free (along with Research MSc registration fee at UCD)

Starting date: March 2021

Qualifications: An undergraduate degree in geophysics, physics or related field is desired, and computational ability (including programming in languages such as Python) is essential for the project. 

To apply: Please email your application to Dr Duygu Kiyan (duygu@cp.dias.ie) using the subject line “RAFTA MSc Application”. The application should include: (1) a cover letter outlining your research interests, motivation, and evidence-based suitability for the position, (2) a CV with contact details of 2 academic referees, and (3) a transcript of university record*. Detailed enquires regarding the project can be made by email to Dr Kiyan.
The application deadline has been extended to Friday February 26th 2021.

DIAS is committed to gender balance, diversity, and inclusion.

This project is funded by Geological Survey Ireland Short Call Programme 2020 (Grant No: 2020-SC-049).

*A transcript of university record will show the institution the student studied at, and a list of all courses taken, all grades received, degrees conferred, and degree class awarded.