Three Postdoctoral Fellowships in Earthquake Science at Utah State University

[srisharan Shreedharan]

The Department of Geosciences at Utah State University (USU) invites applications for three postdoctoral research positions within the growing Earthquake Science Group. This cluster hire will expand collaborative research across earthquake mechanics, geology, and geophysics, with opportunities to work alongside faculty Drs. Srisharan Shreedharan, Kelian Dascher-Cousineau, and Alexis Ault, the broader Earthquake Science Group ecosystem, and external collaborators.

 

Rock Deformation & Earthquake Mechanics (mentor: Dr. Srisharan Shreedharan)

The successful candidate will join the Rock Deformation and Earthquake Mechanics team (rocksandquakes.com) to pursue research on brittle deformation, fault zone processes, and earthquake cycle modeling. We invite candidates to articulate a research vision that brings new ideas and complements ongoing efforts along subduction megathrusts at the Japan Trench and Hikurangi margin, rupture dynamics in Turkey and southern California, and fundamental laboratory studies of earthquake mechanics. Apply here. Review of applications will begin November 15th, 2025 on a rolling basis, and position will remain open until filled.

 

Statistical Seismology & Earthquake Forecasting (mentor: Dr. Kelian Dascher-Cousineau)

This position will advance research on earthquake processes and forecasting at the intersection of earthquake physics, statistical seismology, and machine learning. Funding supports development of statistical and machine learning models for earthquake occurrence and integration of earthquake forecasts with early warning systems, in collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey and the Berkeley Seismological Laboratory. Apply here. Review of applications will begin November 15th, 2025 on a rolling basis, and position will remain open until filled.

 

Earthquake Critical Zone Processes (mentor: Dr. Alexis Ault)

This NSF-supported position investigates shallow rupture and interseismic deformation in the earthquake critical zone. Research will target the southern San Andreas fault and the 2023 Mw7.6 Elbistan earthquake surface rupture in Turkey and bridge field, rock deformation, and analytical approaches to probe shallow fault zone dynamics. The postdoc will work within a collaborative team spanning USU, Brown University, and Cal State Fullerton, with additional partners in Turkey. Apply here by December 19th, 2025, and position will remain open until filled.

 

Cluster Hire Details

Additional information about each position is provided on the respective linked websites. Applicants may apply for more than one position if their research background is relevant. Please either (1) submit separate application materials for each position, or (2) clearly indicate in your research statement that you wish to be considered for multiple roles. For more information or questions, contact Alexis (alexi...@usu.edu), Srisharan (srisharan....@usu.edu), and/or Kelian (kelian.dasch...@usu.edu).