Postdoctoral position in geophysics- seismic hazard assessment - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Postdoctoral position in geophysics- seismic hazard assessment

Are you interested in working with Seismic hazard assessment in a low seismic regions, with the support of competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an employer that invests in sustainable employeeship and offers safe, favourable working conditions? We welcome you to apply for a postdoc position at Uppsala University.

The Department of Earth Sciences at Uppsala University is Sweden´s largest and most versatile department of its kind. The department have approximately 280 employees. Our activities are interdisciplinary and combine natural science and technology with social science. We have research programs in air, water and landscape science; geophysics; natural resources and sustainable development; petrology, mineralogy and tectonics; paleobiology, and wind energy. By investigating the history of Earth, we understand how our planet has developed over time and how sustainable development benefits from this knowledge. For more information:  The Department of Earth Sciences)

The Swedish National Seismic Network, SNSN (www.snsn.se), operates 67 broadband seismic stations distributed across the country. Local, regional and teleseismic earthquakes are routinely recorded, analyzed and archived. In addition to the daily operation of the network, the SNSN provides information services to support society when natural disasters occur, mostly earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions. This service is provided to government agencies, media, the general public and businesses, as well as international collaborators. A significant part of the work within the SNSN involves development of methods of data analyses, maintenance in the field, international data exchange and collaboration with other seismological networks in Europe and other parts of the world. The SNSN currently employs 10 persons, some of which are part-time positions. Organizational, the SNSN is located in the Geophysics program at the Department of Earth Sciences, and there is close collaboration between the SNSN and the Earthquake Seismology group in the Geophysics program.

Duties
Seismic hazard assessment in a low seismic region is challenging. This project focuses on two of the methodological challenges in probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA): the determination of the frequency-magnitude recurrence parameters a and b, and how ground motion models need be updated to suit site-specific PSHA. The project will evaluate and further develop the determination of moment magnitudes for small events, magnitude less than 2, in Fennoscandia and then test and advance methods for the calculation of recurrence parameters, with appropriate uncertainties. Various ground motion models will be investigated and assessed with respect to how site-specific ground motion is best modelled, and adapted to the return periods needed in the nuclear industry. At the end of the project, the recent PSHA model by Joshi et al. (2024) will be updated using the new developments. The project will be carried out with the SNSN at the Geophysics program, the postdoc will have opportunities to participate in SNSN work, for example the construction of new seismic stations. There will also be opportunities to do certain teaching.

Requirements
PhD degree in seismology or geophysics or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in seismology or geophysics. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.

Knowledge in probabilistic seismic hazard assessment and the calculation of moment magnitudes. Proficiency in both spoken and written English.

Additional qualifications
Experience of moment magnitude determination for small earthquakes is an advantage, as is experience with the OpenQuake PSHA software package and Linux systems in general. Programming experience, especially in python. Proficiency in Swedish is a bonus.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement. Full time position. Starting date 01-04-2025 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Björn Lund, ph: +46-18-4712390, email: bjorn.lund@geo.uu.se

Please submit your application by 10 March 2025, UFV-PA 2025/352.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? Find out more about what it´s like to work and live in Sweden.