PhD: Ocean Bottom Seismology
PhD: Ocean Bottom Seismology
Two funded PhD positions at Victoria University of Wellington
Summary
The seismology group at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand is seeking two PhD students for an exciting research project studying the relation between slow slip, tremor and “fast earthquakes” on the Hikurangi Subduction Zone offshore New Zealand. The successful candidates will play a key role in a government funded research programme aiming to forecast the size of future tsunamigenic earthquakes.
In this PhD research programme you will apply cutting-edge analysis tools to Ocean Bottom Seismometer data above a subducting slab. You will study the differences in seismicity across a boundary between where the plate moves slowly via creep and slow slip events, and the part of the slab that is locked and is expected to slip mainly in large earthquakes. You will have the opportunity to participate in research voyages and to work with collaborators around the world. There will also be multiple opportunities for fieldwork in locations across New Zealand.
You will be a self-motivated, and well-organised student with appropriate qualifications in Earth Science or Physics. Skills in Python programming are highly desirable.
The PhD programme will be supervised by Prof. Martha Savage and Dr. Emily Warren-Smith of Earth Science New Zealand, and includes a PhD stipend of $35,000 NZD per year for three years. All tuition fees are covered and there is financial support for overseas conference attendance and a research placement with colleagues in Japan, Canada or Germany.
The position is based in the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences at Victoria University of Wellington, with start dates flexible after 1 March 2026.
Contact: Martha Savage with initial interest including your CV and a copy of your most recent transcript.
Closing Date: We will begin reviewing the applications after December 15.
Geoscience Society of New Zealand
PO Box 7003
Newtown
Wellington 6242
Administrator:
Nicki Sayers
Newsletter articles for consideration:
Editor@gsnz.org.nz
The GSNZ is a member organisation of the Royal Society
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