Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Eastern Section Seismological Society of America; Fairbanks (AK); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Alaska Earthquake Center at the Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to advance landslide monitoring and hazard assessment using seismic observations and integrated environmental datasets.

The successful candidate will develop automated landslide detection, study precursors, apply machine learning, and contribute to operational monitoring. Deadline: September 14, 2026.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required by start date; related fields.
• Expertise in seismic data analysis and signal processing.
• Proficiency in Python and machine learning.
• Experience with large geophysical datasets and software development.
• Experience with landslides or operational monitoring systems is beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

• Develop automated detection and characterization of landslides using seismic data.
• Investigate precursory signals and failure processes.
• Apply machine learning and data-driven approaches for geophysical monitoring.
• Collaborate with Alaska Earthquake Center staff and Geophysical Institute faculty.

Skills

Seismic data analysis

Python

Machine learning

Statistical analysis

Scientific software development

Large-scale geophysical data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in geophysics, seismology, geology, geodesy, computer science

Tools

NumPy

SciPy

Job description

The Alaska Earthquake Centerat theGeophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks, is seeking aPostdoctoralResearch Fellow to join our interdisciplinary team working on landslide monitoring, environmental seismology, and geohazard research in Alaska.

This position offers the opportunity to advance near-real-time landslide detection and hazard assessment using seismic observations together with geodetic, remote sensing, weather, and other environmental datasets. The successful candidate will work closely with researchers to develop new methods to better understand landslide processes, improve operational monitoring systems, and investigate hazards including landslide-generated tsunamis.

Application deadline:September 14, 2026

Research opportunities include:

• Automated detection and characterization of landslides using seismic data
• Investigation of precursory signals and failure processes
• Machine learning and data-driven approaches for geophysical monitoring
• Integration of seismic, geodetic, remote sensing, infrasound, weather, and environmental datasets
• Development of scientific software and operational monitoring workflows
• Analysis of large geophysical datasets to better understand landslide hazards

This position offers opportunities to collaborate with professional staff at the Alaska Earthquake Center as well as faculty and students across the Geophysical Institute. The successful candidate will be encouraged to pursue independent research, publish in peer-reviewed journals, present at scientific meetings, and contribute to operational monitoring activities at the Alaska Earthquake Center.

Qualifications

Applicants should have completed a Ph.D. in geophysics, seismology, geology, geodesy, computer science, or a related field by the anticipated start date. Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable:

• Seismic data analysis and signal processing
• Scientific programming (Python or similar)
• Machine learning or statistical analysis
• Scientific software development
• Large-scale geophysical data analysis
• Experience with landslides or operational monitoring systems is beneficial but not required.

For questions about the position, please contact:
Ezgi Karasözen
Alaska Earthquake Center
University of Alaska Fairbanks
[e-mail]