Seismology Postdoctoral Fellow

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Texas is seeking a Seismology Postdoctoral Fellow to analyze geophysical data to model earthquake risk mitigation. The role involves novel research on geomechanical models, presenting at conferences, and publishing research. Candidates should have a PhD in engineering, seismology or geophysics, and prior experience with geophysical modeling. Competitive salary starts at $70,000 based on qualifications, alongside potential travel and fieldwork requirements.

Qualifications

• PhD received within 3 years from date of hire.
• Good knowledge in software programming (e.g. Matlab, Python).
• Knowledge of subsurface pore-pressure modeling and earthquake nucleation processes preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide novel research on geomechanical models linking human operations to seismicity.
• Construct models explaining nucleation and evolution of seismicity.
• Integrate results in a regional seismic hazard model for risk mitigation.

Skills

Research experience with geophysical/geomechanical modeling

Hypothesis testing

Software programming (Matlab, Python)

Education

PhD in engineering, seismology or geophysics

Job description

Seismology Postdoctoral Fellow

University of Texas at Austin – J.J. Pickle Research Campus, North Austin.

Purpose

Analysis of geophysical and geomechanical data to provide models that can be calibrated and verified from available data, to identify processes for earthquake risk mitigation.

Responsibilities

• Provide novel research on geomechanical and pore pressure models linking human operations to evolving seismicity rates, constructing models that explain nucleation and evolution of seismicity. Model inputs may include earthquake and hydrogeological data, stress-change models, etc. Contribute to collaborative research modeling stress changes in the subsurface due to geo-energy operations, validating potential causal factors. Integrate results in a regional time-dependent seismic hazard model estimating approaches for risk mitigation.
• Present at meetings and conferences.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in engineering, seismology or geophysics.
• Prior research experience with geophysical/geomechanical modeling, hypothesis testing, earthquake catalogs, and stress evolution processes.
• Good knowledge in software programming (e.g. Matlab, Python).
• PhD received within 3 years from date of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of subsurface pore-pressure modeling, earthquake nucleation processes, fault rupture propagation, and seismic hazard modeling.

Salary

$70,000 + depending on qualifications.

Working Conditions

• Work around standard office conditions.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
• Occasional weekend, overtime, and evening work to meet deadlines.
• Occasional travel intrastate, interstate, international.
• Occasional fieldwork as necessary.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV.
• 3 work references with contact information.
• Letter of interest.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants must not disclose such pay to individuals without access, unless it is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.