The Department of Geosciences at Utah State University (USU) seeks a full-time postdoctoral researcher to join the Earthquake Science Group, to work with Kelian Dascher-Cousineau. This position is supported by multiple funded projects and provides an exciting opportunity to advance research on earthquake processes and forecasting. The successful candidate will conduct research at the intersection of earthquake physics, statistical seismology, and seismic hazard. Funding supports the development of statistical and machine learning models for earthquake occurrence and the integration of earthquake forecasts with early warning systems. The position offers opportunities to work with collaborators in the U.S. Geological Survey and the Berkeley Seismological Laboratory.

This is a 12-month, full-time position with a salary and benefits. The position is initially funded for one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability

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. Srisharan Shreedharan (LINK).
Applicants may apply for more than one position if their research background is relevant. In such cases, please either:

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

• Conduct original research in earthquake forecasting, statistical seismology, and earthquake physics.
• Lead the development, testing, and application of models using both synthetic and real seismic datasets.
• Engage with and provide informal mentoring to graduate and undergraduate researchers in the broader Earthquake Science group at USU Geosciences.
• Present results at scientific meetings, and publish results in the peer-reviewed literature.
• Pursue appropriate external funding opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in earth sciences, geophysics, seismology, statistics, or a related field at the time of appointment.

Perferred Qualifications:

• Strong background in earthquake science and demonstrated ability to publish research with experience in statistical modeling, Bayesian inference, or machine learning.
• Strong computational skills in Python.
• A record of collaborative research and student mentoring.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. CV 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_EF.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 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.

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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