Vacancies

Field of work

The Ph.D. student will contribute to developing an Operational Earthquake Forecasting System for the short-term forecasting of volcanic and tectonic seismicity in Southwest Iceland. This project addresses the region's increasing seismic and volcanic activity, particularly in the Reykjanes Peninsula, where tens of thousands of microearthquakes and multiple significant seismic events have occurred since 2019. The area has also experienced several magma intrusions and eruptions.

The doctoral candidate will focus on:

• Developing a Bayesian spatiotemporal epidemic-type aftershock sequence (ETAS) model using advanced statistical and physical models to incorporate volcanic seismicity and magma dynamics, analysing earthquake-triggering mechanisms and crustal stress changes.
• Quantifying short-term probabilistic seismic hazard, calibrating Icelandic ground motion models to include smaller magnitudes, improving hazard forecasting, and updating hazard assessments based on ongoing seismic activity.
• Creating a harmonized instrumental seismic catalogue for Southwest Iceland 
• Conducting statistical analyses following the CSEP (Collaboratory for the Study of Earthquake Predictability) guidelines to ensure transparency and unbiased evaluation of seismic forecasting models.

The doctoral student's work on the project will form the basis of the doctoral thesis. The results will be incorporated into an operational earthquake forecasting system for Iceland. The PhD candidate will collaborate closely with an international, multidisciplinary research team of experts from the University of Iceland, the Icelandic Meteorological Office, University College London, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, University of Naples Federico II, and the Swiss Seismological Service of ETH Zurich. 

Qualification requirements

• Master's degree in geophysics, physics, statistics, seismology, engineering seismology or engineering.
• Experience in earthquake clustering modeling (e.g., ETAS model), seismic hazard assessment, statistical modeling, and machine learning, is desirable. 
• Proficiency in computer programming (e.g., Python) for statistical modeling and data analysis.
• Good written and spoken English skills.
• Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a team

Application process

Application Process:

Applicants are required to submit the following documents with their application:

• Cover letter (max 2 pages), stating the applicant's interest in the project and relevant qualifications.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Certified copies of academic degrees (B.S. and M.S. diplomas, or an official letter from a supervisor confirming the planned M.S. defense date) and official transcripts with grades from B.S. and M.S. studies.
• Copies of master's thesis and/or other relevant publications (if applicable).
• Names and contact information for two referees and how they can be reached.
• TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent test results

The appointment is conditional on the applicant submitting a formal application for PhD studentship at the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Iceland and that the application is approved by the faculty.

The principal investigator primary academic advisor of this project is Dr. Atefe Darzi, Research Specialist at the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Dr. Benedikt Halldórsson, Research Professor at the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Coordinator of Seismic Hazard at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, will act as the administrative advisor.

The applicant is expected to start on  September 1st. 2025, or according to further agreement. 

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be informed about the appointment when a decision has been made. Applications are valid in the system for 6 months after the application deadline. 

Appointments to positions at the University of Iceland are made in consideration of the Equal Action Policy of the University of Iceland.

The University of Iceland has a special Language Policy.

The University of Iceland is a thriving knowledge society and a diverse and vibrant workplace. Academic freedom, professionalism and equality are the values of the university, and great emphasis is placed on flexibility and staff participation in the development of studies and research. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences employs around 390 people in research and teaching in the fields of engineering and natural sciences. The working environment is international, with a quarter of both staff and postgraduate students in the department being foreign, and this proportion is constantly increasing. The department has around 2000 students, around a quarter of whom are postgraduate students. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences prides itself on its diversity and reform-oriented environment where knowledge acquisition and dissemination are paramount.

Application deadline

For further information contact

Benedikt Halldórsson

skykkur@hi.is

Atefe Darzi

atefe@hi.is

Apply now