Applications are invited for a two-year Post-doctoral Research Assistant in Planetary Seismology, within Bristol University’s School of Earth Sciences. The post will focus on NASA’s InSight geophysics mission, which lands on Mars in late 2016.
NASA InSight aims to probe the detailed internal structure of Mars for the first time by deploying two tripod-mounted seismometers onto the surface to determine fundamental seismic properties (e.g. seismic velocities, attenuation, crustal structure). The aim of the project is to prepare for science operations on Mars and help ensure the success of the mission. Specific goals will be: (1) quantification of environmental noise such a wind and pressure variations and development of techniques to minimise these; (2) investigate coupling of the seismometer tripod to the martian surface and determine the effects on the seismic data; (3) make predictions of seismic sources using terrestrial analogue datasets; and (4) translation of terrestrial seismology techniques to a planetary setting. The post will involve a combination of laboratory and field experiments, seismic modelling, and seismic data analysis of analogue terrestrial events. There will also be opportunity to analyse early seismic data from Mars. Specific focus will be on the UK microseismometer (SEIS-SP) for the frequency range 0.1—10 Hz, but results will also be applicable to InSight’s other instruments.
The successful applicant should have a strong background in geophysics/seismology to PhD level or beyond, ideally including field instrument deployment and seismic data analysis. Expertise in scientific programming is also essential, preferably including analysis of time series data. The successful applicant will possess strong written and oral communication skills and be expected to present results at national and international conferences, instrument team meetings, and by publishing in international journals.
Applications should be made online and include a cover letter, academic CV with a publication list, and contact details for two referees. Further particulars, including application details, are available at:
For informal queries about the position, please contact Dr Nick Teanby (n.teanby@bristol.ac.uk) or Dr James Wookey (j.wookey@bristol.ac.uk).
The closing date for applications is 29th September 2015.
For more information: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/jobs/find/details.html?nPostingID=3651&nPostingTargetID=13439
