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Monday, October 19, 2026
Dear SCEC Community,

See the following announcements:

  • Announcing the James N. Brune Distinguished Lecture Series
  • Job Opportunity: Assistant Professor position in Geochemistry and Environmental Geolog
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On behalf of Christie Rowe, Nevada Seismological Laboratory

Announcing the James N. Brune Distinguished Lecture Series

The Nevada Seismological Laboratory is proud to announce the inauguration of the James N. Brune Distinguished Lecture Series, taking place on November 30th, 2026. This ongoing series will explore cutting-edge topics in classic seismology, serving as a fall bookmark to the established Burt Slemmons Lecture Series which occurs every spring semester and focuses on neotectonic studies and seismic hazards. Together, these two-lecture series celebrate the visionary leaders who built and shaped the laboratory.

For this inaugural event, we are honored to welcome Mellon Professor Emeritus Paul G. Richards from the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University.
  • Talk Title: PRECISION SEISMOLOGY: What is it, and What can it Deliver?•     
  • Date: Monday, November 30th, 2026•     
  • Time: 3:30 PM (Short Opening Ceremony) | 4:00 PM (Lecture Begins)•     
  • Location: Davidson Mathematics and Science Center (DMSC), Room 102•     
  • Virtual Option: https://unr.zoom.us/j/89363579752?pwd=wgVyGmjkolHfUbny0W6zj9tJ3Ax3qm.1 Meeting ID: 893 6357 9752; Passcode: 406212
Dr. James N. Brune made foundational contributions to seismology, most notably by developing the Brune Earthquake Source Model in 1970. This groundbreaking model established a fundamental relationship between tectonic stress, seismic shear waves, and the spectral properties of earthquakes, remaining a cornerstone of earthquake physics and seismic hazard analysis for over half a century. He also pioneered the innovative use of precariously balanced rocks (PBRs) as "natural seismographs" to constrain the upper limits of historical ground motion, providing a physical method to test and improve modern probabilistic seismic hazard models. As the Director of the Nevada Seismological Laboratory from 1987 to 1998, Brune expanded the region's monitoring infrastructure, advanced research into Great Basin tectonics, and mentored a new generation of geophysicists, earning prestigious accolades including the Medal of the Seismological Society of America.

Dr. David "Burt" Slemmons was a towering figure in earthquake geology and seismic risk assessment, recognized for establishing the Nevada State Seismological Research Laboratory (which evolved into the Nevada Seismological Laboratory) and founding the Center for Neotectonic Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno. Teaching at UNR from 1951 to 1989, Slemmons conducted pioneering work in seismic hazard analysis by bridging the gap between structural geology and observational seismology. He revolutionized the field by using aerial photography and field mapping to detail worldwide historic surface faulting, establishing global statistical relationships between fault rupture length, displacement, and earthquake magnitude. His groundbreaking methodologies transformed how scientists calculate probabilistic seismic hazards, and his expertise directly guided safety and design evaluations for critical infrastructure worldwide, including the Alyeska pipeline and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The Brune and Slemmons Lectures are supported through generous donations to the Nevada Seismological Laboratory Visiting Scholar Fund (https://shorturl.at/6OO8f).

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On behalf of Gregory De Pascale, University of Iceland

Job Opportunity: Assistant Professor position in Geochemistry and Environmental Geolog

We have an Assistant Professor position in Geochemistry and Environmental Geology is available at the University of Iceland in the Faculty of Earth Sciences position available, details below.
Please feel free to share with anyone that may be interested.
Field of work
  • Teach undergraduate courses and courses at the graduate-level in the candidate's area of research specialization
  • Supervision of undergraduate and graduate students
  • Lead and contribute to research projects in geochemistry and environmental geoscience, utilizing Iceland's unique geological setting
  • Contribute to the development and organization of academic programs and faculty administration
  • Lead and contribute to the operation and development of geochemistry research laboratories
  • Engage in collaborative projects within and outside the University
Qualification requirements
  • A doctoral degree in geochemistry, geology, or a related field
  • Experience in university-level teaching and student supervision is an advantage
  • Research activity in geochemistry and environmental geoscience, commensurate with career stage
  • Excellent proficiency in English, both written and spoken
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively share and disseminate knowledge
  • Ability to teach in Icelandic is an advantage. The successful candidate is required to attain Icelandic language proficiency at B1 level within four years of appointment. The University of Iceland provides support for acquiring the necessary language skills
In hiring decisions, considerations will be given to how well the applicant fits the current conditions and needs of the Faculty of Earth Sciences.Application processThe expected starting date is no later than August 1st 2027.The position will be filled for a term of five years, with the possibility of a permanent appointment thereafter, cf. Paragraph 3, Article 31 of the Rules of the University of Iceland No. 569/2009.The processing of applications, evaluation of candidates` qualifications, and appointment to the position shall follow the provisions of Act No. 85/2008 on Public Universities and the Rules of the University of Iceland No. 569/2009.Applicants must submit the following documents with their application:
  1. A cover letter outlining, among other things, how the applicant meets the qualification requirements
  2. Diploma(s) or, where applicable, a certificate of academic record
  3. Academic curriculum vitae (CV)
  4. List of publications
  5. A report on research work and other professional work undertaken
  6. A statement of research and teaching plans if appointed
  7. Information on potential referees who may be contacted
The application must indicate which of the applicant`s publications, up to eight in total, are considered most significant with regard to the position in question. Applicants should submit only these publications with their application or provide information on where they are electronically accessible. If a submitted work has multiple authors, applicants must clarify their individual contribution to the work. Application materials that cannot be submitted electronically should be sent in two copies to the Science and Innovation Department, University of Iceland, Sæmundargata 2, 101 Reykjavík.All applications will be answered, and applicants will be informed of the outcome once a decision has been made. Applications may remain valid for six months after the application deadline.In hiring for positions at the University of Iceland, the University`s equality policy is taken into account. Attention is also drawn to the University of Iceland`s language policy.Since 1911, the University of Iceland has been a leading institution for business and societal progress in Iceland. It is a forward-looking research university and an active participant in international scientific collaboration.The University of Iceland is the largest university in the country, offering nearly 400 programs at the undergraduate, master`s, and doctoral levels. Approximately 14,000 students are enrolled, including over 2,000 international students.More than 1,800 staff members work at the University of Iceland. The university emphasizes attracting a diverse community of employees and students to an international academic environment, where academic freedom, professionalism, equality, diversity, and inclusion are prioritized.

About the University of Iceland
Schools, faculties and interdisciplinary studies
International Staff Services

Application deadline is 02.11.2026
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