King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, KAUST

Background

MCQsim is our physics-based earthquake simulator that models long-term stress accumulation and the resulting space-time-dependent earthquake occurrence on geometrically complex fault systems. MCQsim generates simulation-based earthquake rupture forecasts to be used within a PSHA framework; a working interface to OpenQuake already exists. As part of a recently funded new project, we are looking for a postdoc with a solid background in PSHA to test and then use MCQsim-generated earthquake catalogs to generate credible and then validate hazard, and possibly risk, products for further application.

Why to apply this position

• Simulation-based PSHA is moving from research curiosity to a serious complement to classical, catalog-limited hazard assessment. This project sits exactly at that transition.
• Part of the validation is carried out together with industry partners on jointly defined scenarios and test cases, providing direct, hands-on exposure to applied hazard work.
• Research facilities at KAUST include access to the Shaheen-3 supercomputer and dedicated high-end workstations.
• Competitive salary with housing, medical coverage, and family support (e.g., schooling)

Your tasks

• Generate hazard products from MCQsim catalogs: earthquake rupture forecasts, hazard curves, uniform-hazard spectra and hazard maps.
• Validate the simulated hazard against observed seismicity and existing hazard models for selected target regions, including but not limited to the East and North Anatolian fault systems and further test sites developed together with collaborators.
• Benchmark against state-of-practice PSHA: produce high-standard catalog-based hazard models using the MCQsim-based catalogs and compare our simulation-based results to published and recently developed data-based hazard models, with an emphasis on quantifying if, where and how reduction of epistemic uncertainty is achieved.
• Assess and document quality: define and test quantitative PSHA validation metrics and apply them to simulated and regular PSHA; compose technical reports and a benchmarking study; write peer-reviewed publications and present work at relevant conferences and to collaborators

Required qualifications

• PhD in seismology, geophysics, earthquake engineering or a related field.
• Demonstrated PSHA experience through active hazard work: source models, MFDs, GMM selection, logic trees, hazard integration, disaggregation; experience with risk modelling a plus.
• Strong knowledge of a PSHA code; preferably the OpenQuake PSHA engine.
• Scientific programming; comfortable in Linux/HPC environments.
• Peer-reviewed publication record; strong written and spoken English.

Cover letter, CV with publication list, and two to three referees to martin.mai@kaust.edu.sa and olaf.zielke@kaust.edu.sa. Reviewed on a rolling basis until filled.