Researcher Position in Earthquake Early Warning, Swiss Seismological Service

The Swiss Seismological Service (SED) at the ETH Zurich is the federal agency responsible for monitoring earthquakes in Switzerland and for assessing Switzerland’s seismic hazard. The SED employs a team of 70 scientists and staff. The Seismic Network group at the SED work on rapid earthquake characterisation including earthquake early warning (EEW). EEW algorithms developed within the team include the point source approaches Virtual Seismologist and Gutenberg Algorithm, and the finite source approach FinDer. Some of these methods have been independently integrated into the open-source and widely used SeisComP3 (SC3), our earthquake monitoring system. The Network group is also collaborating with INETER in Nicaragua on evaluating the local feasibility of EEW with a view to setting up a prototype system in Central America. In order to develop these projects, the Seismic Network group at SED seeks a highly motivated individual for a

Researcher Position in Earthquake Early Warning

We are looking for a researcher that will develop a production-level EEW probabilistic Bayesian framework that combines independent algorithms, and collaborate with seismic networks to ensure optimal operation of EEW. The primary responsibilities for the researcher are to: 

• Develop and test a Bayesian framework for EEW that provides best estimates of ground shaking by integrating prior constraints and all available information from multiple existing EEW algorithms • Manage migration of the framework to a production open-source framework in SC3 
• Collaborate with INETER in Nicaragua to evaluate readiness of local seismic networks for EEW, and suitability of EEW approaches to local seismicity / seismic networks. 
• Ensure optimal performance of EEW systems in Switzerland and Central America. 

The position is initially for 24 months, with the possibility of extension. Extended travel to Central America is expected. The working language of the group is English, though knowledge of Spanish would be regarded positively. The position will be filled at either postdoctoral or senior researcher level, depending on experience.

The candidate should have a PhD in geophysics, engineering or a related field with documented experience on relevant subjects, which should include Bayesian statistics or scientific software development with a strong interest to apply these to earthquake early warning and seismic networks. A solid background in programming, preferably in Python and / or C++, is required. Postdoctoral experience, preferably within a seismic network environment, and / or familiarity with SeisComP3 are not necessary but would be of advantage.

 

For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Stefan Wiemer by email, wiemer@sed.ethz.ch (no applications) or Dr. John Clinton by email, john.clinton@sed.ethz.ch (no applications) and visit our website www.seismo.ethz.ch. The position is available starting early 2016. The selection process starts immediately (January 2016) and will continue until the position is filled.
We are looking forward to your application including a CV, a statement of research interests, and the names and complete contact information of three referees. Only complete applications will be considered. Please apply online (see button below) and address it to: ETH Zürich, Ms. Maja Bügler, Human Resources, CH-8092 Zürich.

 

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