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Job Announcements: Faculty, Post-doc, and PhD Positions

Date: 10/10/2019

Dear SCEC Community,

Please see below for the following job announcements:

1. Faculty Positions at Penn State; Geomechanics and Integrated Energy Systems
2. USGS recruiting Senior Science Advisor to coordinate earthquake and geologic hazards activities
3. SDSU / UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Geophysics: Accepting Applications
4. 2020 Exploration Fellowship in Earth and Space Science School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University Postdoctoral Research Scholar – JOB# 14087
5. Assistant Professor - Structural Geology/Tectonics, SDSU
6. Postdoctoral Research Associate in Earthquake-, Statistical- or Engineering-Seismology at the University of Bristol (UK)

We appreciate your interest in SCEC.

Regards,

SCEC Information

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1. Faculty Positions at Penn State; Geomechanics and Integrated Energy Systems:
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The Pennsylvania State University is recruiting at least five tenure-track positions in Integrated Energy Systems (IES), as a part of its strategic initiative to further enhance its status as an international leader in energy research and education. These new hires will join the department most relevant to their research and teaching interests, either in the College of Engineering (https://www.engr.psu.edu/academics/undergraduate/prospective/explore-maj...) or the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (https://www.ems.psu.edu/academics/our-departments). IES faculty will have outstanding opportunities for collaboration through institutes including the Institutes of Energy and Environment (http://www.iee.psu.edu) and the Materials Research Institute (https://www.mri.psu.edu). IES priority areas identified for this search include: Renewable, Non-renewable, and Hybrid Energy Systems. We invite applications for candidates with expertise in energy systems, especially those that have a minimal carbon footprint, intrinsically high energy efficiencies, and negligible net water use. We are particularly interested in researchers working on alternative energies that have materials-focused topics, for example in solar energy and conversion technologies using CO2 as a carbon source and integration of renewable energy technologies with energy storage systems. Smart Energy Systems. Penn State is internationally recognized as a leader in energy efficiency for the built environment, but there are new opportunities to better integrate building design and energy consumption/production with microgrids, blurring the lines between the distribution network and the load. Additional faculty expertise is needed in on-site distributed energy systems, focusing on energy generation for single building and community-of-buildings levels. Another key area is energy security, with an emphasis on security of modern smart metering and small-scale energy generation technologies, as well as managing risks to the industrial generation and distribution systems and networks. Impact Mitigation and System Optimization of Energy Generation and Distribution. Energy systems need to minimize freshwater use, reduce carbon emissions, and increase the safety and productive use of non-traditional waters, including produced and flowback waters from oil and gas operations. Of interest are faculty focusing on wastewater injection, materials, methods or processes for the treatment and reuse of these waters, as well as monitoring and impact assessment of energy generation and distribution on natural waters. Penn State also seeks to increase the number of “systems-thinking” faculty who will serve as national leaders in topics such as tradeoffs between CO2 emissions, optimizing transportation systems, and techno-economic evaluation of new energy technologies. Researchers exploring mechanisms of carbon capture, storage, utilization and mineralization are also encouraged to apply. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in a field related to one of the three IES topics. Appointments will be made at a rank commensurate with experience. Successful applicants will be researchers who can work across disciplines in a team to advance the science and engineering of energy systems. To apply, submit a single pdf file containing: a cover letter indicating at least one preferred home department and the names and addresses of four references; a full curriculum vitae containing a complete list of publications; separate statements of research, teaching interests, and commitment towards diversity and inclusion; and 3 published journal papers. Review of applicants will begin on November 1, 2019, and will continue until the positions are filled. Inquiries can be sent to Professor Bruce Logan (blogan@psu.edu), Chair of the Search Committee. Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Penn State strives to build a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for students, staff, and faculty. Both the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences and the College of Engineering rely on the expertise, sensitivity and commitment of an inclusive faculty to enhance diversity, seek equity, and create a welcoming environment within our community. We are committed to nurturing a learning and working environment that respects differences in culture, age, gender, race, ethnicity, physical ability, sexual orientation, and religious affiliation. In welcoming every candidate, we strive to meet the needs of professional families by actively assisting with partner-placement needs.

2. USGS recruiting Senior Science Advisor to coordinate earthquake and geologic hazards activities:
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The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is seeking to fill one of its most critical leadership positions for carrying out our natural hazards mission. The Senior Science Advisor for Earthquake and Geologic Hazards is a Senior Level (SL) position reporting to the USGS Associate Director for Natural Hazards.

The position serves as coordinator of the Earthquake Hazards Program (EHP), Geomagnetism Program, and the USGS portion of the Global Seismographic Network (GSN). These three programs collectively had an appropriated budget of about $92 million in fiscal year 2019, funding work at regionally managed USGS science centers as well as by university and state partners, including the Southern California Earthquake Center. The EHP and GSN represent the USGS contributions to the four-agency National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP), which was recently reauthorized by Congress. The USGS Geomagnetism Program is the USGS contribution to the multi-agency National Space Weather Program.

This position also has broad responsibility within our Natural Hazards Mission Area to guide the breadth of USGS geologic hazards work, ensuring strong coordination with the activities supported by our volcano, landslide and coastal/marine programs along with the many other hazard-related activities supported throughout the Survey. In addition to internal program management responsibilities, the Senior Science Advisor is an ambassador for the USGS to our many partners and stakeholders in the US and around the world.

A description of the position and details on how to apply can be found on USAJOBS. Applications will be accepted until October 30, 2019. There are two separate announcements, one open to current and former Federal employees:

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/547316700

and the other open to all U.S. citizens:

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/547315100

Please share this opportunity broadly.

3. SDSU / UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Geophysics: Accepting Applications:
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San Diego State University and University of California San Diego are accepting applications for the Joint Doctoral Program in Geophysics. The SDSU/UCSD Joint Program (http://sci.sdsu.edu/geology/jdp/opportunity/) provides full access to the Geophysics curriculum of UCSD’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, with additional specialized courses and research opportunities offered by SDSU faculty. Assistantships for Fall 2020 are available for research in earthquake physics, wave propagation and strong motion, fault zone structure and dynamics, induced seismicity, quantitative paleoseismology, computational seismology, and subsurface imaging. Competitive financial support package offered to successful applicants, who must meet doctoral admissions requirements of both universities. Apply by December 16, 2019. For application procedure and further information, see sci.sdsu.edu/geology/jdp/, or send inquiries to Professor Kim Olsen (kbolsen@sdsu.edu).

4. 2020 Exploration Fellowship in Earth and Space Science School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University Postdoctoral Research Scholar – JOB# 14087:
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The School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University invites applications for the postdoctoral research scholar position of Exploration Fellow. The mission of the postdoctoral fellowship is to foster SESE’s interdisciplinary research program by attracting and supporting outstanding early-career scientists and engineers to pursue independent research in collaboration with SESE faculty. Research areas within SESE encompass theoretical and observational astrophysics, astrobiology, cosmology, earth surface processes, planetary science, instrumentation and systems engineering, and science education. Anticipated start date for the position is July 2020. Incoming Fellows will receive an annual stipend of $65,000 with health benefits, plus $12,000 per year in discretionary research funds. A relocation allowance will be provided. The initial appointment is for one year with subsequent annual renewal for up to a total of three years, contingent upon satisfactory performance, the needs of the university, and availability of resources.

Interested candidates should contact two faculty members in SESE to discuss potential collaborative research topics and determine whether they would agree to serve as an Exploration Fellow mentor. When a topic of mutual interest between the applicant and potential faculty mentors is identified, the applicant should submit a research proposal as a single PDF that includes: (1) a cover letter identifying the proposed research topic and the names of the two faculty mentors, (2) a current CV, (3) a research proposal not longer than five pages (including figures and references), and (4) one paper exemplifying the applicant’s research. Applicants should arrange for three letters of reference to be submitted separately. Preference will be given to proposals that include interdisciplinary research spanning multiple research areas within SESE.

Essential duties: The successful applicant will conduct original research, document results and write journal articles, and present at scientific meetings.

Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. by the time of appointment in a field relevant to Earth and Space exploration, including (but not limited to) astrophysics, physics, chemistry, geology, biology, and engineering. Candidates must be within five years from receipt of the doctoral degree.

Desired Qualifications: (1) research proposal that demonstrates relevance, interdisciplinary merit, and/or potential impact of the proposed research activities to the overarching “big picture” research questions in the field and to the mission of SESE, (2) a record of prior achievement and experience demonstrating the potential to accomplish proposed research objectives, (3) evidence of strong verbal and written communication skills.

Application materials should be submitted as a single PDF file. The application, and any related questions, should be submitted by email toexppd@asu.edu, addressed to the Exploration Fellowship Committee. Applications will only be given full consideration when all materials described above are received in the requested PDF format.

Initial deadline for receipt of complete applications is 15 December 2019. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled. Reference Job ID 14087.

More information about the Exploration Fellowship can be found at:
http://sese.asu.edu/exploration-fellowship

More information about the department can be found here: https://sese.asu.edu/

Postdoctoral benefits can be found at: https://cfo.asu.edu/postdoctoral-scholars

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (https://thecollege.asu.edu/faculty) at ASU values cultural and intellectual diversity, and continually strives to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment. We are especially interested in applicants who can strengthen the College diversity of the academic community.

Background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.htmlhttp://www.asu.edu/titleIX/

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online athttps://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

Best,

Ian

5. Assistant Professor - Structural Geology/Tectonics, SDSU:
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We seek to hire a candidate who uses field-based and/or computational models to address questions related to structural deformation in regions of active tectonics. Specific areas of research might include any aspects of structural geology and/or active tectonics through the use of field studies, applied geophysics, computational techniques and/or models. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a vigorous, externally-funded, independent research program with student participation. Contribution to the Department of Geological Sciences teaching mission and participation in University and/or community service is also expected. Candidates should have a PhD in Geology or related field, relevant post-doctoral experience, a strong record of research accomplishments, external funding and a demonstrated capacity for teaching.
Additional information and application procedures are available at Https://apply.interfolio.com/67226.
Review of applications will begin on 21 October 2019 and continue until the position is filled. Please direct questions about the position to the search committee chair, Dr. Allen Gontz, agontz@sdsu.edu.
SDSU is an equal opportunity/Title IX employer.

6. Postdoctoral Research Associate in Earthquake-, Statistical- or Engineering-Seismology at the University of Bristol (UK):
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The School of Earth Sciences at the University of Bristol (UK) is seeking to recruit a Research Associate with funding for up to 3 years. This position will contribute to research in the geophysics group in the field of earthquake triggering, forecasting or time-dependent seismic hazard assessment. This 3-year post is linked to an EU-funded research project to increase society’s resilience to earthquakes using predictive and dynamic seismic hazard and risk assessment tools, including operational earthquake forecasting prototypes in Europe. The candidate may use a range of methods to make fundamental discoveries or applied advances in understanding the time-dependence of seismic hazards, drawing on observational, statistical, computational or engineering earthquake seismology.

The primary purpose of this position will be to advance the science of operational earthquake forecasting and time-dependent seismic hazard assessment. Contributions could include: developing statistical earthquake forecasting models that capture new insights into clustering; exploiting the recent high-resolution datasets to gain new insights into triggering processes, advancing physics-based stress transfer models, furthering probabilistic methods (machine learning, ensemble modelling), or exploring implications for time-dependent seismic hazard.

The successful applicant should have a strong background in seismology, engineering seismology or statistics to PhD level (or equivalent) or beyond, including – for example – modelling seismicity, earthquake forecasting, ground motion analysis and modelling, observational earthquake source seismology, machine learning or earthquake mechanics.

Expertise in statistical data analysis and/or scientific programming is essential. Previous experience of analysing or modelling earthquake triggering and clustering would be advantageous. The successful applicant will possess strong written and oral communication skills and be expected to present results at national and international conferences, and publishing findings in international journals.

We welcome applications from all members of our community and are particularly encouraging those from diverse groups, such as members of the LGBT+ and BAME communities, to join us.

For an informal discussion, please contact Dr Max Werner (max.werner@bristol.ac.uk).

To apply and for more information, visit https://bit.ly/323lD7l .

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