postdoc position

Postdoctoral Scholar in Fault Modeling

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of California, Riverside invites applicants for a full-time, Postdoctoral Scholar in Fault Modeling to conduct research in the group of Dr. Gareth Funning. This position will start on September 1, 2023. The final candidate will work on a NASA-funded project to model locked zones – i.e. potential sources of future earthquakes – on subduction zones and creeping faults worldwide, using boundary element modeling of geodetic data. This position is full-time (100% FTE), 12-months/year, with an initial term appointment of two years (24 months). 

Salary for this position will be in the range $60,000 to $71,952.

Required qualifications for this position that must be met by the date of hire: a Ph.D. or equivalent in geophysics or a related field. 

Preferred qualifications for this position: expertise in tectonic geodesy, seismology and/or crustal deformation modeling; a strong background in statistics and/or computational methods; programming experience in at least one general purpose language; demonstrated written and verbal communication skills; and a demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively. 

Additional qualifications for this position include expertise in: boundary element and/or finite element modeling; meshing of complex surfaces; processing, analysis and interpretation of InSAR, GNSS and/or seafloor geodetic data; fault mechanics; and data visualization.

To apply: submit a cover letter indicating suitability for the position, CV and contact details for a minimum of three referees by email to Dr. Gareth Funning (gareth@ucr.edu). Review of applications will commence on July 1, 2023, and proceed until the position is filled.  For full consideration, applicants should submit their complete applications prior to the above date.

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Gareth Funning, Chair of the Search committee, Department of Earth and Planetary Science, at gareth@ucr.edu. For questions on application procedures and requirements, please contact Ms. Ashley Lawson, Academic Personnel, at ashley.lawson@ucr.edu.

UCR is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. Its mission is explicitly linked to providing routes to educational success for underrepresented and first-generation college students. A commitment to this mission is a preferred qualification.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

University of California COVID-19 Vaccination Program Policy: As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy.  All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to Appendix F, Section II.C. of the policy for the deadlines applicable to new University of California employees.  (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.)  Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.