Ph.D. student position in Engineering Seismology and Earthquake Engineering, University of Iceland

A full time Ph.D. position in engineering seismology and earthquake engineering at the School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland is open for applications. We are seeking an ambitious and hard-working graduate student to carry out original research on topics within the fields of engineering seismology, seismic hazard assessment and earthquake engineering. The work will be carried out at the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The doctoral candidate will work closely alongside two post-doctoral associates within a research project that has received a funding from the Icelandic Centre for Research for three years.

The doctoral candidate will work on original research in the scope of the research project that focuses on the quantification of earthquake site-effects and their incorporation into new and improved short-term seismic hazard assessment in Iceland. In particular, an advanced statistical model will be developed to quantify seismic ground motion site amplification and its associated uncertainties, both of which are needed to properly incorporate such effects into the modeling of key ground motion parameters of engineering interest. Furthermore, an advanced statistical framework will be applied for the integration of geological and topographical information needed to generate maps of various site amplification proxies (e.g., VS30 ) for Iceland. The results will be incorporated into new ground motion models and implemented in short-term hazard assessment and operational earthquake forecasting system for Iceland.

The doctoral candidate will work closely alongside two post-doctoral candidates on the project, and will become a part of an international multidisciplinary research team of experts at the University of Iceland, Iceland; Reykjavík University, Iceland; Icelandic Meteorological Office, Iceland; German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany; Virginia Tech, USA; Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, Norway; and University of Twente, Netherlands.

The principal investigator of this project is Dr. Benedikt Halldórsson, Research Professor at the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, and Director of research at the Earthquake Engineering Research Centre of the University of Iceland. Dr. Benedikt Halldórsson will be the principal academic advisor of the doctoral student, and colleagues from the above team will form the doctoral committee. The candidate will thus become a part of a dynamic and active, international research team.

• Master's degree in civil engineering, geophysics or physics.
• Experience and/or knowledge in the field of engineering seismology or earthquake engineering e.g., focusing on ground motion modeling, soil dynamics, structural dynamics, seismology, and/or seismic hazard assessment is desirable.
• Proficiency in computer programming and time history analysis.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Good cooperative and social skills, along with independence and ability to work in a team.

The applicant is expected to start 1 September 2022, or according to further agreement. The Ph.D. student¿s work in the project will be the basis of the doctoral dissertation. The working facilities will be at the Faculty of Environmental and Civil Engineering, University of Iceland.

Applications must include:

• A cover letter, which states your interest in the project and what makes you qualified for the position (max 2 pages)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Confirmed copies of academic degrees (B.S. and M.S. diplomas, or equivalent, or a letter from supervisor stating the date of planned M.S. defense).
• Confirmed course transcripts with grades from B.S. and M.S. studies, and other relevant courses.
• Applicants may also provide their theses (M.S., and B.S., if applicable) and publications as a PDF files.
• Contact information of two referees who can provide a recommendation letter.

The selected candidate must send a formal application for PhD studentship at the University of Iceland, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Natural Sciences.

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be notified of the job placement once a decision has been made. Applications can be valid for up to six months from the end of the application deadline.

Appointments to positions at the University of Iceland are made in consideration of the Equal Rights Policy of the University of Iceland: https://english.hi.is/node/50017

The University of Iceland has a special Language Policy: https://english.hi.is/node/24581/  

The University of Iceland is a growing community of knowledge and is a very dynamic and interesting workplace. Our values are academic freedom, professionalism and equality. The University strives to provide flexibility and encourages participation in the development of the study programs and research in all fields within the realm of the University. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences employs ca. 390 people involved with teaching and research. The School offers an international working environment, where currently about quarter of all employees and graduate students are international, and that number is increasing each year. The school has around 2000 students and numerous graduate students. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences is proud of its¿ diversity and reform-minded environment where knowledge acquisition and sharing is paramount.

More information about the University of Iceland can be found at the University of Iceland website, International Staff Services .

Application deadline is 23.05.2022

Benedikt Halldórsson

[email protected]