Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Earthquake Nucleation

Corehr; Oxford; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Oxford, Department of Earth Sciences, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Earthquake Nucleation on a fixed-term 24-month project at South Parks Road, Oxford. The role will lead seismological and modelling components of a NERC-funded programme, collaborating with project co-Lead and Durham colleagues to bridge laboratory and natural-scale observations.

Applicants should have experience in seismic data analysis and robust scientific analysis.

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Earthquake Nucleation

Department of Earth Sciences, South Parks Road, Oxford

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Earthquake Nucleation

This post is fixed term for 24 months

The researcher in this position will join a collaborative team to investigate how earthquakes nucleate. In this NERC-funded project, we are combining experimental, modelling, and seismological investigations to probe the mechanics and conditions of earthquake nucleation. The role here is to take the lead on the seismological and modelling components of the project, with supervision from project co-Lead Jessical Hawthorne as well as Project Lead Stefan Nielsen and Project co-Lead Nicola De Paola at Durham University.

The post holder will use a range of seismological analysis tools to identify features that reveal the processes preceding earthquake nucleation. They will, for instance, stack long-period signals from multiple earthquakes and apply novel methods to estimate radiated energy, as well as exploring additional approaches as interest allows. The post holder will use the observations to investigate how nucleation processes vary across different tectonic settings and physical conditions.

The post holder will also undertake fault-slip modelling to understand observed nucleation behaviours: both seismic and experimental. They will work closely with all members of the project and use the models to help bridge observations across laboratory and natural scales, and to identify the physical conditions that determine different nucleation behaviours.

Applicants should be motivated to think deeply about seismological observations, experiments, and modelling to explore nucleation. They should have experience in seismic data analysis and a track record of robust scientific analysis. For further details of the role please see the job description.

The deadline for applications is midday on 23.11.2026.

Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and ethnic minority candidates, who are under-represented in research posts in the Department.

Interviews will be held on the 3rd December 2026