Research Fellow in Geophysics (Earthquake Seismology) HN)

This postdoctoral research position offers a compelling opportunity for an ambitious seismologist to contribute to a significant NERC-funded project, "Testing Models of Active Extension" (TMAX). The project focuses on unraveling seismicity, fluid processes, and structural complexities within active rift zones, with a specific emphasis on the Corinth Rift in Greece.

Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Cutting-Edge Research: Engage with novel earthquake data and advanced analytical techniques within a globally recognized research environment. The University of Southampton's School of Ocean and Earth Science is ranked among the top 40 globally for Earth and Marine Sciences, providing access to world-class facilities and a vibrant scientific community.
• Leadership and Field Experience: This role presents a unique chance to take a lead in crucial fieldwork. Candidates will be instrumental in deploying and maintaining seismometers onshore and participating in an exciting research cruise, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in seismic network management.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a multidisciplinary team of experienced UK and Greek scientists. This international collaboration fosters a rich exchange of knowledge and perspectives, crucial for a comprehensive understanding of complex geological systems.
• Comprehensive Skill Development: The position involves a wide array of analytical tasks, including automated seismicity detection, deriving high-quality catalogs, earthquake relocation, focal mechanism determination, moment tensor inversion, and waveform frequency content analysis. There's also an opportunity to develop expertise in seismic imaging techniques like local earthquake tomography, ambient noise tomography, and teleseismic receiver functions.
• Career Advancement: The University of Southampton is committed to supporting its researchers' growth. You will benefit from mentoring, career development programs, and networking opportunities. The institution's dedication to equality, diversity, and inclusion, as demonstrated by its Athena SWAN charter commitment, ensures a supportive and thriving work environment.
• Publication and Presentation Opportunities: The nature of the project naturally lends itself to significant contributions to peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences, essential for building a strong academic profile.
• Attractive Location and Benefits: Based at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton, you'll be part of a dynamic hub of Earth and marine science. The university offers a generous holiday allowance, additional university closure days, subsidized health and fitness facilities, and access to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS).

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• PhD Requirement: A PhD in a relevant field is essential, or you must be in the final stages of completing one.
• Data Analysis Expertise: Strong experience in handling large passive seismic datasets and processing/analyzing seismicity data is a prerequisite. Familiarity with automated detection methods will be highly beneficial.
• Fieldwork Aptitude: While fieldwork experience is desirable, the role places a strong emphasis on it. Candidates should be prepared for and enthusiastic about hands-on seismic network deployment and maintenance in potentially challenging environments.
• Seismic Imaging Skills: Competence in crustal seismic imaging, whether from local or teleseismic data, is a significant advantage.
• Interdisciplinary Understanding: The ability to interpret seismicity results in the context of tectonic and structural geology is highly valued, indicating a need for a broader geological understanding.
• Communication Skills: Proven experience in communicating research findings through presentations and publications is expected.
• Project Management Aspects: The role involves contributing to the management and implementation of the seismic network, suggesting a need for organizational and project management awareness.

This postdoctoral position is an excellent stepping stone for a seismologist looking to deepen their expertise in active tectonics, gain extensive fieldwork experience, and contribute to high-impact international research. The duration of the fixed-term contract is up to 32 months, and the anticipated start date is June 1, 2026, with some flexibility.