Job number ACAD104618
Division/School School of Earth Sciences
Contract type Open Ended
Working pattern Full or Part time
Salary £33797 - £38017 (pro-rata for part time)
Closing date for applications 16-Aug-2020

Research Associate in Fault-based Seismic Hazard Assessment

The School of Earth Sciences at the University of Bristol (UK) seeks a research associate for a term of 6 months (full-time) or 12 months (part-time). This short-term position aims to develop probabilistic seismic hazard estimates for Malawi by integrating a new active faults database with current geodetic constraints, past seismicity and ground motion models. A key scientific question concerns the implications of the fault and geodetic data (and associated uncertainties) for future earthquake probabilities. Pending Covid-19 travel restrictions, opportunities may exist for field work and the delivery of training workshops in Malawi.

The candidate will join the multidisciplinary project SAFER-PREPARED, which aims to strengthen the resilience of school communities in Malawi to earthquake risks. Funded by the UK’s Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), the Bristol-led project involves a broad team of geologists, geophysicists, engineers and resilience scholars from academia, industry and government institutions in Malawi and the UK.

The School of Earth Sciences hosts one of the largest Geophysics groups in the UK, which works on topics ranging from the Earth’s core to ice sheets. The group has strong strategic links with the British Geological Survey and works closely with Bristol’s Earthquake Engineering Group and the Cabot Institute, the University’s flagship interdisciplinary research institute. The School of Earth Sciences was rated 2^nd in the UK in the most recent 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF2014), and is globally ranked in the top 20 (QS rankings 2014-20).

Applicants require a PhD or equivalent professional qualifications and experience in structural geology, seismology, civil engineering or similar field. Prior research experience in fault-based probabilistic seismic hazard assessment is desirable, but not required. A proven track record of high-quality publications in international peer-reviewed journals is required. The successful candidate will have opportunities to present the research at international conferences and mentor postgraduate researchers.

The ideal start date for this position is 1 September 2020, or soon thereafter.

Informal enquires are welcome and can be directed to Dr. Max Werner (max.werner@bristol.ac.uk) or Prof Juliet Biggs (Juliet.biggs@bristol.ac.uk).

The School of Earth Science is committed to equal opportunities, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

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.