Senior Research Associate in Machine-Learning based Earthquake Forecasting

The role

We seek a short-term (5 months) postdoctoral senior research associate to conduct research in machine-learning based earthquake forecasting. The role holder will develop and apply neural point process models to seismicity and benchmark their performance against established classical models in seismology. The role holder will join Bristol’s Geophysics group in the School of Earth Sciences (ranked 2^nd in the UK’s most recent Research Excellence Framework, REF2021). The group collaborates closely with the Institute of Statistical Sciences, the Jean Golding Institute for Data Science, and the Earthquake Engineering group, providing a broad intellectual environment. The successful candidate will also contribute to the global Collaboratory for the Study of Earthquake Predictability (cseptesting.org). 

What will you be doing?

You will extend and apply neural point process models to forecast seismicity, benchmarking against established classical point processes such as Hawkes models. You will identify appropriate evaluation metrics using both likelihood-based and likelihood-free inference methods for generative models. Model development will focus on integrating other geophysical covariates and experimenting with different neural model components. 

You should apply if

We seek a motivated individual with a background in (statistical) machine learning and/or point process theory who has a keen interest and ideally demonstrated experience in applications to seismicity modelling and forecasting. The applicant will have strong research skills including scientific programming and creating research outputs (including peer-reviewed publications and version-controlled code release). We seek excellent verbal and written communicators with strong team-working skills, who also aim to contribute positively to the wider community and research culture.

Additional information

Contract type: Fixed funding until 31/05/2025

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 22/12/2024

Interviews are anticipated to take place in January 2025.

For informal queries, please contact: Max Werner, max.werner@Bristol.ac.uk

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