Hazard Modeller sought, GNS Science, New Zealand

GNS Science is New Zealand's premier provider of geoscience information, research and consultancy and incorporates the National Isotope Centre.

GNS Science is seeking a hazard modeller to conduct research and consulting in probabilistic analysis of seismic hazards, particularly as they relate to engineering design and risk assessment of structures. The position requires undertaking in-depth seismic hazard analysis projects for GNS Science's growing range of national and international clients, including preparing consultancy reports. The role includes involvement with upgrading the national seismic hazard model for New Zealand, with the opportunity to formulate hazard specifications for engineering design standards.

To be successful you should have:
* Several years professional experience as a seismic hazard modeller within a research, academic or consultancy environment
* A relevant masters or PhD degree in engineering, earth sciences, or hazard/risk assessment
* Strong report-writing skills, for preparing research or consultancy proposals, recording research findings, preparing technical papers and conveying scientific results to end-users in an appropriate form to meet their requirements
* An ability to work within the tight time-frames often associated with commercial consultancy
* The vision and application to formulate and see through to successful completion hazard-related research programmes and the development of new hazard products for end-users
* A willingness and ability to carry through and, with time, take on full responsibility for consultancy projects, from first contact with a client to the completed report.

The experience and ability to formulate recommendations of design motions from hazard results would be an advantage. Familiarity with earthquake ground-motion regression models and the necessary skills for developing such models for New Zealand would be a major advantage. Research directions could include the development of alternatives to acceleration response spectra as specifications of seismic hazard that are relevant for performance-based design and vulnerability assessment of structures.

Further information and an application form can be obtained from our website: www.gns.cri.nz/careers

Applications (which must include a GNS application form) can be sent to Human Resources, GNS Science, PO Box 30 368, Lower Hutt, New Zealand Tel. +64 4 570 1444 Fax. +64 4 570 4748 or email us at careers@gns.cri.nz

Closing date: Friday 18 July 2008

Vacancy number 08/11