Ph.D Opportunities at ETH Zurich, Switzerland

Project: Coupled Seismogenic Geohazards in Alpine Regions

We are seeking two highly motivated students to work within an interdisciplinary research project called COGEAR (Coupled seismogenic geohazards in Alpine regions). The focus of this project is on Canton Valais, the seismically most active region in Switzerland, and the project involves scientists from several different institutions in Switzerland. The candidates we look for here will study large historical earthquakes in the region through deformation modeling for better understanding of what can be expected from potential future events. The first successful candidate will focus on the development of earthquake source physics models, implementing constitutive friction and off-fault damage material models for different geological structures in the Alpine regions. The model parameterization will obey constraints by fitting model prediction with observations of historical events, geological process and the ongoing deformation measurements of GPS. These physical models will be used for the seismological assessment of past and future earthquakes and ground motion prediction in the Alpine regions. The second successful applicant will work to develop kinematic models for Valais using available geodetic data, help to design the densification of the continuous GPS network, and be involved in real-time GPS processing strategies of the data collected by the network. Applicants should have a M.Sc. or Diploma in geosciences, physics, applied mechanics, engineering or a related field. The position is available from fall 2009 and is funded for three years, the anticipated time needed for obtaining a Ph.D. degree at ETH Zurich.

Strong analytical skills, and some experience in programming, data analysis, and visualization (Matlab, C/C++ and/or Fortran, UNIX shells) are expected. A background in numerical modeling is necessary (for the first position), GPS-knowledge (for the second position), and for both solid knowledge of the English language (both oral and written). The students will work in close collaboration with scientists at the Institute of Geophysics and the Institute of Geodesy and Photogrammetry at ETH Zurich. Starting salary is 39.6 ksfr/year. The deadline for applications is April 30th, 2009.

If you have specific questions, please contact Dr. Luis Dalguer (dalguer@tomo.ig.erdw.ethz.ch) for the first position, and Prof. Alain Geiger (alain.geiger@geod.baug.ethz.ch) for the second position. For general information visit the website of the project: http://www.cces.ethz.ch/projects/hazri/COGEAR; and the one from the institute: http://www.seg.ethz.ch

To apply, please specify which position you are applying to (first or second) and send two hardcopies of your CV, a short statement of research interests, and the names and addresses of two referees to: Dr. Luis A. Dalguer, ETH Zurich, Institute of Geophysics, Sonneggstrasse 5. CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland. Notice that application by e-mail is not accepted.