Thread: Research Positions in Earthquake Ground Motion and/or Ground Failure at the U.S. Geological Survey

Started: 2016-10-24 18:56:13
Last activity: 2016-10-24 18:56:13
The U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Science Center (ESC) seeks to fill two research positions within the broad area of improving prediction, understanding, and mapping of earthquake shaking and/or secondary effects, such as ground failure. These are permanent positions classified as a Research Geophysicist, Research Geologist, or Research Civil Engineer in either Menlo Park, CA, or Seattle, WA, at the GS-13 or GS-14 level with promotion potential to GS-15, or GS-15 level.

Successful applicants will be expected to make significant contributions to a vigorous program of earthquake hazard assessments. Research results should have direct impacts on: ground-motion prediction equations; hazard maps; site specific designs and retrofits of critical and major facilities; evaluations of current engineering design practice; improving building codes and emergency planning; educating the general public using ground-motion time histories; modeling earthquake-induced damage patterns and damage to specific structures; regional seismic hazard assessments for seismic zonation; and/or calculation of actuarially sound earthquake insurance premiums.

Successful applicants will utilize applied mathematics, seismology, geophysics, engineering seismology, and/or geotechnical engineering to conduct original research in observational ground-motion methods, modeling physical processes that characterize the generation and propagation of seismic waves, and/or failure of near-surface materials. Research studies might include field investigations with temporary seismic deployments or mapping and exploring near-surface complex Quaternary deposits, and/or numerical modeling of Earth structure and source, path, and site effects. Methods employed may involve inversions of seismic records for earthquake ruptures and 3D elastic and anelastic properties; development of models grounded in seismological theory; characterization of how subsurface and topographic conditions may modify ground motions; development of realistic scenarios forecasting earthquake ground motions using earthquake rupture simulations and modeling of 3-D wave propagation and site response; and prediction of permanent deformation associated with ground failure. Research products will feed directly into probabilistic and deterministic seismic hazard maps.

Applications (resume and responses to application questions) for this vacancy must be received online via USAJOBS before Wednesday November 23, 2016. Resumes MUST adhere to the format prescribed on USAJOBS, including full narrative descriptions of “Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills” for past work experience. Transcripts, etc. MUST be attached as required by the Vacancy Announcement. A full description of the job opening, qualifications and instructions on how to apply can be found at: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/453100400/. The Job Announcement Number is SAC-2016-0486. The salary range is $100,246 to $160,300 per year in Menlo Park, CA, and $90,284 to $160,300 per year in Seattle, WA. U.S. citizenship is required.

Contact Earl Emerson with questions about the application process (phone: 916-278-9399, email: pacsac1<at>usgs.gov).

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