PhD Position “Seismic Risks” (m/f) at the German Research Centre for Geosciences | Helmholtz Centre Potsdam (GFZ)

The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national research centre for Earth sciences in Germany. With approx. 1100 employees, the GFZ is conducting interdisciplinary research on the “System Earth” and the influence of humans on the planet. As a member of the Helmholtz Association, it is part of Germany’s largest science organization.

Within the framework of the project DESERVE (Dead Sea Research Venue), Section 2.1 “Physics of Earthquakes and Volcanoes”, together with the GFZ Centre for Early Warning and in close cooperation with partners in Israel, Jordan and the Palestine territories, invites applications for a

PhD Position “Seismic Risks” (m/f)

Reference No. 50/2/13 D

Tasks:

The aim of the PhD project is to address the comprehensive assessment of seismic risk for a set of selected test sites in the Dead Sea region.

The successful candidate is expected, with the help of the project team, to:

1. Produce an Exposure Model of selected test sites in the Dead Sea Region, by:

- Collection and analysis of Satellite-based Medium Resolution Optical imagery

- Analysis and description of social and structural elements of the test-sites exposed to seismic hazard

- Collection of local information, including if possible direct in situ sampling via direct observation and imaging - collected information should also include socio-economic data to better model consequences

- Integrate collected information with analysis of aleatory and epistemic uncertainties

2. Produce a Vulnerability Model of the selected test sites, based on the exposure model achieved as for above point - this also entails connecting with local partners to collect specific information about seismic vulnerability of the residential building inventory

3. Use the implemented exposure and vulnerability models to produce a preliminary seismic risk assessment study for the selected test sites, including the realization of a set of consequence scenarios for a selected set of earthquake events deemed compatible with the Dead-Sea region´s hazard estimates

Qualifications:

Highly qualified candidates with academic education in seismology, geoengineering, geography or in related disciplines are invited to apply. The following qualifications will be considered as well in the candidate selection:

1. Good background in GIS and geographical data processing

2. Good background in digital remote sensing data processing and management

3. Experience with spatially-enabled relational databases (e.g. postgreSQL/postgis)

4. Experience with seismic risk and vulnerability assessment

5. Working experience with Dead Sea countries is a plus

6. Willingness to work in an international and interdisciplinary environment, to travel to collaboration partners and to undertake field experiments

You can expect a very diverse and challenging job in an international work environment that is characterized by exciting research projects. The compatibility of work and family life is of particular concern to the GFZ. Therefore, it offers the opportunity for flexible working time and workplaces. Moreover, there is a kindergarten located on the research campus.

The GFZ is a partner with Geo.X (www.geo-x.net), and as such it is well connected with other geoscience institutions in Potsdam und Berlin. Geo.X forms the largest regional cluster of geoscientific expertise in Europe and offers excellent opportunities for cooperation and development.

Please submit your application by 22. September 2013 quoting the reference no. 50/2/13 D by post to the

Helmholtz Centre Potsdam

GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences

Personnel and Social Services

Telegrafenberg

14473 Potsdam

Germany

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Equal opportunity is an inherent part of our personnel policy. Therefore we are particularly welcoming applications from qualified women. Severely disabled persons will be given preferential treatment in the case of equal qualification.

We will retain your application documents for at least three months, even if the application is not successful. They will not be returned.

If you have any questions regarding this job offer, please feel free to call Mr Heinze at +49 (0) 331-288-28878.

For further information also follow the link.