Postdoc Opportunity in Simulation based PSHA

About the Postdoctoral Opportunity

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher for a full-time opportunity in Simulation-based Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment (PSHA). This role involves working with MCQsim, a physics-based earthquake simulator, to generate and validate hazard products. The position is suitable for candidates with 0-1 years of experience.

Role Context and Project Focus

This project focuses on advancing simulation-based PSHA from a research concept to a practical complement for classical, catalog-limited hazard assessment. The Postdoc will test and utilize MCQsim-generated earthquake catalogs to produce credible hazard and risk products. Validation efforts will include collaboration with industry partners on defined scenarios and test cases, providing direct exposure to applied hazard work.

Key Responsibilities

• Generate hazard products from MCQsim catalogs, including earthquake rupture forecasts, hazard curves, uniform-hazard spectra, and hazard maps.
• Validate simulated hazard against observed seismicity and existing hazard models for target regions such as the East and North Anatolian fault systems, and other test sites developed with collaborators.
• Benchmark against state-of-practice PSHA by producing high-standard catalog-based hazard models using MCQsim-based catalogs.
• Compare simulation-based results to published and recently developed data-based hazard models, with an emphasis on quantifying epistemic uncertainty reduction.
• Assess and document quality by defining and testing quantitative PSHA validation metrics and applying them to simulated and regular PSHA.
• Compose technical reports, a benchmarking study, and peer-reviewed publications, and present work at relevant conferences and to collaborators.

Qualifications and Experience

• A solid background in PSHA is required.
• Experience level: 0-1 years.

Work Environment and Resources

The Postdoc will have access to research facilities at KAUST, including the Shaheen-3 supercomputer and dedicated high-end workstations. The position offers a competitive salary, along with housing, medical coverage, and family support, including schooling assistance.

Application Information

This is a full-time position with an open salary. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply.