[ES_JOBS_NET] Postdoctoral Opportunity: Developing the next generation of lava flow forecasting tools at USGS (Hilo, Hawaii)

[Dietterich, Hannah R]

Postdoctoral Opportunity: Developing the next generation of lava flow forecasting tools at USGS

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and the Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo seek a postdoctoral research associate to work on lava flow forecasting tools for effusive eruption hazard assessment and response.

Opportunity description:

The primary volcanic hazard in Hawaiʻi over the past 200 years has been lava flows, and Kīlauea Volcano’s 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption– the most destructive eruption in Hawaiʻi in modern times – has reinforced the potential for lava flow hazard in Hawaiʻi as well as other communities at risk in the United States and around the world.

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join a team of USGS scientists working to develop the next generation of quantitative lava flow forecasting tools, in order to improve forecasting of flow routes, length, advance rates and coverage during future eruptive crises.  The project aim is to develop a quantitative tool, or tools, that can be used by USGS for hazard assessment.  The scope of the project could either involve (1) the development of a new quantitative flow model, or (2) the integration and modification of existing quantitative tools to simulate lava flow advance and coverage.  This work will be supported by collaboration with ongoing research within the USGS lava flow research group on lava eruption dynamics, studies of recent eruptions, and model benchmarking of current tools.  High performance computing facilities and computer science resources are also available through USGS to support both model development and application as an operational forecasting tool.

Candidates should have a PhD, strong quantitative and programming skills; experience in volcanic or other geophysical fluid or hazard modeling is preferred.  Although the project has an applied research focus, results will be communicated to the scientific community through conference presentations and publications.  The appointment is for one year with the possibility of renewal for an additional year based on performance and continued funding.  The position is a fellowship with a monthly stipend of $7833, and an additional $2700 available yearly for conference travel.  Funds for equipment will also be provided.

How to apply:

This position is available now and applications will be evaluated beginning on October 5.  To apply, please email the following to:  hvolavapostdoc at gmail.com   (1) a CV with the contact information for three references and (2) a cover letter describing your interest in the position and your educational, research, and professional experience in the relevant fields of numerical modeling, fluid dynamics, volcanology, and scientific programming.  This appointment is made through the Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and is open to all regardless of citizenship.  Email mpatrick at usgs.gov or hdietterich at usgs.gov with any questions about this opportunity.

Project mentors:
Dr. Matthew Patrick (USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory)
Dr. Hannah Dietterich (USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory)



--
Hannah R. Dietterich
Research Geophysicist
Alaska Volcano Observatory
U.S. Geological Survey
4230 University Drive Suite 100
Anchorage AK 99508
(907) 786-7474
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://mailman.ucar.edu/pipermail/es_jobs_net/attachments/20200924/bb061fbc/attachment.html>