[Cig-jobpostings] Two USGS research positions in earthquake ground motion and/or ground failure

[Brad Aagaard]

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).