PhD student position in Geophysics

7 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Iceland

Department

The Institute of Earth Sciences

Research Field

Physics

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Iceland

Application Deadline

15 Mar 2024 - 23:59 (Atlantic/Reykjavik)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Applications are invited for a Ph.D. student position in Geophysics, focusing on the use of numerical simulations and machine learning to study fault movements and earthquake predictability through synthetic catalogs and observed data. This project, funded by the Icelandic Research Fund (IRF) for three years, includes both the Ph.D. student's salary and the project's operating expenses.

During 2014-2015, the Bárðarbunga volcanic system in Iceland experienced a significant caldera collapse, characterized by faults slipping approximately 65 meters and a large number of somewhat periodic large seismic events. This prompts fundamental questions regarding the predictability of seismic activities in systems like Bárðarbunga and, more broadly, which are between two endmember cases: predominantly random seismic events and the rarer, periodic occurrences. This project aims to utilize simulations to analyze and quantify seismic event predictability. It will compare simulations against the extensive dataset from Bárðarbunga to establish constraints and employ machine learning techniques trained on both simulated and observed data to forecast seismic activities. Additionally, feature engineering will be used to determine the data aspects most critical for accurate forecasting.

Main tasks

The project is structured around four key components: 1- Numerical Simulations: Development of SEAS (sequences of earthquakes and aseismic slip) simulations that replicate the primary characteristics of the caldera collapse. 2- Synthetic Earthquake Catalogs: Creation of synthetic earthquake catalogs from the simulations, with varying levels of complexity, to serve as training data for machine learning models. 3- Machine Learning: Training of models using synthetic data, followed by application to actual observed datasets. 4- Feature Extraction: Implementation of feature extraction techniques to identify the data types that most significantly influence predictability.

The PhD candidate will receive training in state-of-the-art techniques for earthquake simulation and machine learning applications tailored to seismic catalogs. The various components of this study are anticipated to culminate in three peer-reviewed journal publications, with the PhD student as the lead author.

The PhD student will be stationed at the Institute of Earth Sciences (http://earthice.hi.is/ ) at the University of Iceland. Guidance will be offered by Dr. Elías Rafn Heimisson, the project's Principal Investigator, alongside Dr. Hafsteinn Einarsson, an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the University of Iceland. Within the scope of the broader project, there is an additional PhD position, with an expectation for collaborative work between the two students.

Requirements

Research Field

Physics

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geophysics, Geology, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or similar fields.
• Knowledge of fundamental concepts in seismology
• Proficiency in English, both verbal and written.
• Reliability, initiative, and competence to work independently. 
• Strong background in numerical methods and programming, e.g. Matlab or Python is a requirement.
• Experience in academic publishing is an advantage.

The hiring is contingent on the candidate applying formally for the PhD program at the University of Iceland at the corresponding department and that the application is approved by the faculty.

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Additional Information
Additional comments

Wages according to the current collective agreement by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs and the relevant trade union.

The starting date is no later than 1 September 2024.

Applications should include:

i) a cover letter (max 2 pages).

ii) a CV, stating relevant work experience, knowledge in computer programming and software experience, and a list of publications and presentations if applicable.

iii) copies of university diplomas (BS and MS), with course listings and grade information (in English or Icelandic).

iv) a one-page statement of research interests, specifying why you are interested in this project and how that aligns with your research interests.

v) names and full contact information of two professional referees (including their relationship to the applicant).

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be informed about the appointment when a decision has been made. Applications are valid in the system for 6 months after 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 flourishing 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 approximately 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 are paramount.

The Institute of Earth Sciences is an independent branch of the Science Institute at the University of Iceland and the centre of academic research in Earth sciences within Iceland. The institute provides research facilities for academic staff, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. Scientists at the IES have strong international ties and organize and participate in a range of national and international research projects.

 

Job percentage: 100%

Application deadline until end of: 15.03.2024

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

University of Iceland

Country

Iceland

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://radningarkerfi.orri.is/?s=36734&oj_Router=1N4IgTg9hAuIFwgPwGcC8BmAbAdnQ…

Contact

City

Reykjavík

Website

http://www.hi.is

Street

Sæmundargata 6

Postal Code

101

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED