Thread: Two USGS research positions in earthquake ground motion and/or ground failure

Started: 2016-10-14 17:01:09
Last activity: 2016-10-14 17:01:09
Research Positions in Earthquake Ground Motion and/or Ground Failure at
the U.S. Geological Survey

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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