Alaska Earthquake Information Center

Prospective Students

Opportunities for Prospective Graduate and Postdoctoral Students

Student assistantships are available each year with the Seismology and Geodesy research group. Students interested in applying the computational tools of geophysics to issues in tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes in Alaska and abroad are sought. Research assistantships provide tuition waivers and competitive stipends, as well as travel to conferences and fieldwork. Because of the unique experiences available in earthquake and volcano studies in Alaska, our program is quite competitive. We support the Master of Science and doctoral programs offered through the UAF Department of Geology & Geophysics. Experience in geophysics is not required. However, a solid background in physics, mathematics or computer science is excellent preparation when combined with a strong interest in Earth sciences.

Many students affiliated with the Seismology and Geodesy research group assist with the daily operations of the Alaska Volcano Observatory and/or the Alaska Earthquake Information Center. The facilities provide students a chance to complement their individual research with real world application. Advanced degree students often play an important role in the operations of these facilities. This may mean an unscheduled instrument deployment following a crisis, a rapid analysis of an aftershock sequence or a midnight shift monitoring data streams from a restless volcano. These opportunities provide a context for individual research and experience with state-of-the-art data systems. Both the AVO and AEIC provide professional facilities and data on which to build research in seismology and geodesy. This allows students to carry out research efficiently, focusing on analysis and interpretation, instead of data preparation. The student body in the geophysics area is quite strong and alumni go to a wide range of jobs in seismology and volcanology. Recent graduates hold positions with other universities, geophysical networks, observatories and private research institutions.

How to apply

If this mix of quantitative science and application appeals to you, there are several steps you can follow to become more acquainted with our program. Peruse faculty information online and feel free to contact them directly. For details about how to apply to the program, visit the UAF Department of Geology & Geophysics.

Our Group

The faculty and research scientists who comprise the Seismology and Geodesy research group pursue research around the globe, while remaining directly connected to seismic and geodetic measurements of Alaska's dynamic tectonics. We study earthquakes in the solid Earth and glaciers, crustal and mantle structure, active tectonics and deformation of the Earth. The Alaska Earthquake Information Center, located on site, is in charge of monitoring earthquakes in mainland Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. Center personnel educate residents about earthquakes throughout Alaska the most seismically active state in the nation. As part of the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation program, AEIC informs Alaska communities on the risks of tsunamis and provides inundation mapping for many of Alaska's coastal communities.

Many faculty and staff from the group are affiliated with the Alaska Volcano Observatory, which is responsible for understanding and monitoring volcanic activity across the North Pacific.

We collaborate with the following groups at UAF:

• Alaska Earthquake Information Center
• Alaska Volcano Observatory
• Arctic Region Supercomputing Center
• Alaska Satellite Facility (InSAR)
• UAF Department of Geology & Geophysics
• EarthScope in Alaska

Press Releases

JOB OPENING

Research faculty position in seismology

The Geophysical Institute (GI) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks is hiring a new seismology faculty member at the rank of Research Assistant Professor or Research Associate Professor. We seek a scientist interested in building a long-term research program that leverages the extensive facilities and personnel of the Seismology Lab and GI. We value an ability to work collaboratively with other faculty and a motivation to help lead our long-recognized graduate student program. To foster these connections, the new hire will work with the Alaska Earthquake Information Center and/or the Alaska Volcano Observatory. These affiliations, together with core university funding, are expected to provide approximately eight months of support annually for this twelve-month position. After an initial startup period, the new hire will be expected to raise additional support through external grants and contracts of their own.

We invite candidates from a wide range of seismology backgrounds. Candidates should have broad research interests with applications in regional tectonic settings and/or volcanoes. Applicants are encouraged to address this in their statement of research. Candidates will be evaluated, in part, on their ability to capitalize on the diverse assets of the Geophysical Institute and on the scientific opportunities afforded by the active tectonic environment of Alaska.

The new hire will join a dynamic group of two dozen faculty, postdocs, staff and students dedicated to advancing the field of seismology. Our research targets earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, glaciers and tectonics in Alaska and around the world. We track earthquake and volcanic activity across Alaska in partnerships with federal and state agencies. The Seismology Lab houses the Alaska Earthquake Information Center and is a core component of the Alaska Volcano Observatory. The tremendous rates of tectonic and volcanic activity make Alaska an unparalleled laboratory for seismology. We apply this real world experience to research projects with global implications. Current emphasis on Alaska from the EarthScope and GeoPRISMS programs make this a particularly exciting time. Abundant seismoacoustic research opportunities also exist through collaboration with the GI-based Wilson Infrasound Observatories.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks values diversity among its students, staff, and faculty. We encourage applications from women, members of minority groups, and others who would bring additional dimensions to the university's research, teaching and service missions.

To apply go to www.uakjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=80870.Application review will start on August 1, 2013. Refer questions to Doug Christensen (doug [at] giseis [dot] alaska [dot] edu).