Opportunity to Conduct Research on Induced Seismicity at the USGS

The U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Science Center (ESC) in Menlo Park, California, is hiring a Research Geophysicist to use seismological data analysis and geomechanical and hydrological modeling in studying the physical processes responsible for earthquakes induced by human activities. This will be a permanent position at the GS-13 level, with promotion potential to GS-15. The goal of this position is to test and advance fundamental concepts relating deep fluid injection or production to the frequency of occurrence and magnitude of induced earthquakes, focusing on seismicity associated with oil and gas production, geothermal energy, carbon dioxide sequestration and other energy-related operations. Lessons learned from these process-oriented studies will be used to identify the types of operations and geologic conditions that are likely to result in induced seismicity, develop procedures to quantify the resulting hazards, and help design appropriate mitigation strategies. These studies will also lead to more reliable assessments of hazards posed by natural earthquakes through an improved understanding of the mechanical role of fluids and fault-stress interactions in earthquake recurrence.

The person hired will plan and conduct original research requiring the knowledge, application and integration of the principles, techniques and data from a variety of geophysical specialties. Investigations will include the following activities: 1) analyzing data recorded by seismic networks installed at sites of suspected induced seismicity to develop high-resolution images of velocity structure and determine locations and source parameters of earthquakes observed, 2) interpreting these seismological observations, together with data from boreholes and surface geophysical surveys, to investigate the geologic and hydrologic structure and geomechanical properties of the crust at these sites, and 3) creating, modifying and using geomechanical and hydrologic computer models together with records of fluid injection and production to test hypotheses for the physical processes controlling induced seismicity.

Applications (resume and responses to application questions) for this vacancy must be received on-line via USAJOBS before midnight Eastern Time on Friday, March 21, 2014. Resumes must adhere to the format prescribed on USAJOBS, including full narrative descriptions of “Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills” for past work experience. A full description of the job opening, qualifications and instructions on how to apply can be found at: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/362892400

The Job Announcement Number is PAC-2014-0243. The salary range is $97,836 to $127,187 Per Year. U.S. Citizenship is required.

Contact Earl Emerson with questions about the application process (phone: 253-552-1663, email: pacsac1@usgs.gov).