Postdoctoral Position in Seismology at Caltech

The Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) invites applications for a post-doctoral scholar position in the Seismological Laboratory. Applicants with an interest in computational and regional observational seismology, or aspects of real-time seismology are encouraged to apply. The research goals include synthesizing earthquake data from the extensive database of the Southern California Seismic Network to improve our understanding of earthquake physics and fault systems in southern California. Real-time seismology research goals include developing new real-time methods for determining high precision hypocenters and other earthquake parameters, to facilitate rapid interpretation of ongoing earthquake sequences.

The position will involve research in computational and regional observational seismology, including: 1) applying state-of-the-art methods to relocated the southern California seismicity and refine 3D tomographic crustal models; 2) developing new approaches to determine focal mechanisms and state of stress in the crust to improve our understanding of the seismotectonics; 3) applying the refined hypocenters and focal mechanisms to improve our understanding of earthquake physics and statistics; and 4) participate in various aspects of moment tensor determination and finite source seismology adapted for real-time processing.

A recent Ph.D. in seismology, earthquake engineering, or a related discipline is required. Experience in analysis of earthquake data is also required. Some programming skills in languages, such as C, C++, Java, Matlab, or scripting languages, are highly desired.

The position is available as of May 1, 2009. Funding is available for one year with a possible renewal for a second year, depending on performance and availability of funding. Scholars are eligible to participate in Caltech’s health and dental program. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. For additional information, please contact Dr. Egill Hauksson, hauksson@gps.caltech.edu.

Applicants should send a CV, a brief statement of research interests and experience, and arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent electronically to Marcia Hudson at: marcia@gps.caltech.edu.

Caltech is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and disabled persons are encouraged to apply.