The Department of Geosciences at Utah State University (USU) seeks a full-time postdoctoral researcher to work in Dr. Srisharan Shreedharan’s Rock Deformation and Earthquake Mechanics group (www.rocksandquakes.com) and the broader Earthquake Science Group in the areas of brittle deformation, fault zone processes, and earthquake cycle modeling. The successful candidate will develop and execute new research directions and complement ongoing projects that include but are not limited to subduction megathrust earthquakes at the Japan Trench and Hikurangi margins, earthquake ruptures and active faults in Turkey and southern California, and fundamental processes in earthquake mechanics. We invite the candidate to articulate a research vision that brings fresh perspectives and an infusion of research ideas to collaborative work. The successful candidate will have the ability to produce high quality research and work collaboratively with other Earth scientists and students in and outside the department.

Review of applications will begin on 15 November 2025 and the position will remain open until filled. For further information, contact the search committee chair, Dr. Srisharan Shreedharan (srisharan.shreedharan@usu.edu).

This position is part of a three-postdoc cluster hire within the Earthquake Science Group, which also includes positions led by Dr. Alexis Ault (insert link) and Dr. Kelian Dascher-Cousineau (LINK). Applicants may apply for more than one position if their research background is relevant. In such cases, please either:

• Submit separate application documents for each position, or
• Clearly state in your research statement that you wish to be considered for multiple roles.

• Develop and carry out collaborative research projects.
• Utilize and enhance experimental facilities in the USU rock deformation lab (www.rocksandquakes.com/facilities).
• Engage with and provide formal/informal mentoring to graduate and undergraduate researchers in the RDEM group and broader Earthquake Science group at USU Geosciences. For example, this could take the form of mentoring graduate students with experimental research.
• Present results at scientific meetings, and publish results in the peer-reviewed literature.
• Pursue appropriate external funding opportunities

Minimum Qualification:

• PhD in the Earth sciences or related field at the time of appointment focusing on experimental rock deformation and/or earthquake cycle modeling

Preferred Qualifications:

Some combination of:

• Expertise with high pressure and rock deformation equipment including an ability to troubleshoot/maintain equipment.
• Experience with or a willingness to learn machine learning and numerical modeling (e.g., multi-cycle rupture modeling, interseismic deformation modeling in PyLith etc.) in the context of earthquake-related deformation.
• A track record of peer-reviewed publications, experience mentoring students and proposal writing.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills will also be viewed favorably.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
2. Two-page (max) statement of research background and interests to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”
3. Two references with contact information  to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile
4. Please combine all materials into a single PDF and upload it as an attachment in your candidate profile. The file should be named: LastName_FirstName_RDEM.pdf

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

The position involves working in a rock deformation lab that includes high pressure equipment. Duties include preparing samples and handling laboratory materials. Some tasks may involve lifting or moving items (up to 50 lbs), for which assistance or appropriate equipment is available as needed.

The Department of Geosciences, housed within the S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture & Natural Resources at Utah State University, is an energetic and rapidly expanding hub for Earth-science scholarship with 16 faculty and two lecturers. Our state-of-the-art infrastructure includes the Rock Deformation and Fault Mechanics laboratory, Luminescence Lab, light stable isotope and ICP-MS analytical suites, Mineral Microscopy and Spectroscopy Lab housing a Raman spectrometer, a field-emission scanning electron microscope in the Microscopy Core facility, and a micro-CT scanner. Within this framework, our Earthquake Science Group drives integrative research that spans fault rock characterization, laboratory friction experiments, remote sensing, seismology, numerical and data-driven modeling, and thermochronometry. This core focus on earthquake mechanics and hazard processes positions our department as a natural partner in seismic research and resilience efforts across Utah and beyond. Our department is well positioned to forge deep partnerships with the Utah Earthquake Engineering Research Center (UEEC) in Civil & Environmental Engineering. The UEEC, launched in 2023 with a mission to advance Utah-specific seismic safety, retrofitting, and resilient infrastructure design, serves as a hub for engineering–geoscience integration.

The S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture & Natural Resources provides a rich interdisciplinary environment, combining applied and fundamental perspectives on land, water, and environmental systems. The College has a historical legacy stretching back nearly a century and today offers a broad portfolio of graduate and undergraduate programs in areas such as geosciences, watershed sciences, ecology, soils, and environmental management. Because the geosciences faculty are embedded in this broader natural-resources context, there are strong avenues for crosscutting collaboration with adjacent units and allied centers.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 09/2025

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  OCR@ed.gov

*updated 06/2025