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Earthquake Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Geotechnical R&D Engineer

Acton, MA · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Prior involvement in large-scale geotechnical R&D projects related to cyclic loading or earthquake engineering * Experience transitioning R&D prototypes into manufacturable, quality-controlled ...

Prior involvement in large-scale geotechnical R&D projects related to cyclic loading or earthquake engineering * Experience transitioning R&D prototypes into manufacturable, quality-controlled ...

Geotechnical R&D Engineer

Acton, MA · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Prior involvement in large-scale geotechnical R&D projects related to cyclic loading or earthquake engineering * Experience transitioning R&D prototypes into manufacturable, quality-controlled ...

Post Doctoral Fellow

Fairbanks, AK · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

The Alaska Earthquake Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to contribute to research and development focused on the seismic assessment of landslides ...

Nuclear Engineer - Mid and Sr

Reston, VA · On-site

$102K - $122K/yr

Required experience: 3+ years of experience supporting nuclear engineering research Required ... Thermo-hydraulics * Seismic / earthquake * Physics * Computational science * Fission reactor ...

Nuclear Engineer - Sr

Reston, VA · On-site

$104K - $124K/yr

... or earthquake, physics, computational science, and fission reactor engineering. * Oversee and ... Experience with engineering research, reverse engineering analysis or characterizations, and ...

Nuclear Engineer - Mid and Sr

Reston, VA · On-site

$102K - $122K/yr

Required experience: 3+ years of experience supporting nuclear engineering research Required ... Thermo-hydraulics * Seismic / earthquake * Physics * Computational science * Fission reactor ...

Showing results 21-40

Earthquake Research information

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How much do earthquake research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for earthquake research in the United States is $22.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an earthquake researcher?

To thrive as an Earthquake Researcher, you need a solid background in geophysics, geology, or civil engineering, often supported by an advanced degree such as a master's or PhD. Familiarity with seismic data analysis tools, GIS software, and programming languages like Python or MATLAB is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help in interpreting data and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These abilities are crucial for advancing earthquake science, improving hazard assessment, and informing public safety strategies.

What are the common challenges faced by professionals working in earthquake research, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in earthquake research often face challenges such as limited access to real-time seismic data, the unpredictability of seismic events, and the need to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. Researchers must frequently analyze complex data sets and stay updated with advancements in geophysical instrumentation and modeling techniques. Building strong networks with academic institutions, government agencies, and international organizations can help address these challenges by fostering data sharing and collaborative research. Additionally, ongoing professional development and participation in scientific conferences are key to staying current in this rapidly evolving field.

What is the difference between Earthquake Research vs Seismologist?

AspectEarthquake ResearchSeismologist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees in geology, geophysics, or related fieldsTypically a master's or Ph.D. in geophysics or seismology
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, government agenciesSeismic monitoring stations, research institutions, field sites
Industry UsageFocuses on studying earthquake phenomena, risk assessmentSpecializes in analyzing seismic data, earthquake detection
Common Search/ComparisonEarthquake Research vs Seismologist

Earthquake Research involves studying the causes, effects, and risk factors of earthquakes, often through data analysis and modeling. Seismologists are specialists within earthquake research who analyze seismic data to detect and understand earthquakes. While both roles require similar credentials and work in related environments, earthquake research has a broader scope, whereas seismologists focus specifically on seismic data analysis and monitoring.

What is earthquake research?

Earthquake research is the scientific study of the causes, characteristics, prediction, and effects of earthquakes. Researchers in this field analyze seismic waves, fault lines, and tectonic plate movements to understand how and why earthquakes occur. Their work also involves developing methods to detect earthquakes, assess risks, and mitigate damage to communities. The ultimate goal of earthquake research is to improve safety, preparedness, and resilience in areas prone to seismic activity.
More about Earthquake Research jobs
What job categories do people searching Earthquake Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Earthquake Research jobs are:
Infographic showing various Earthquake Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,222 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Seismology Postdoctoral Fellow

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • On-site

$70K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


University Of Texas at Austin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Posting Title:
Seismology Postdoctoral Fellow
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Hiring Department:
Bureau of Economic Geology
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Position Open To:
All Applicants
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Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40
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FLSA Status:
Exempt
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Earliest Start Date:
Immediately
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Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until Aug 01, 2024
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Location:
PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS
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Job Details:
General Notes
This position is located at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus in North Austin.
Purpose
Analysis of Geophysical and Geomechanical data to provide models that can be calibrated and verified from available data, to identify processes for earthquake risk mitigation.
Responsibilities
  • Provide novel research on geomechanical and pore pressure models linking human operations to the evolving seismicity rates. The goal is to be able to construct models that explain the nucleation and evolution of seismicity. Model-inputs might include earthquake and hydrogeological data, stress-change models, etc. In addition, you will contribute to collaborative research modeling stress changes in the subsurface due to geo-energy related operations, validating potential identification of causal factors. The results could be integrated in a regional time-dependent seismic hazard model estimating approaches for risk mitigation.
  • Present in meetings and conferences.
  • Publish in peer review journals.

Required Qualifications
PhD in engineering, seismology or geophysics. Prior research experience with geophysical/geomechanical modeling, hypothesis testing, earthquake catalogs, and stress evolution processes. Good knowledge in software programming (e.g. Matlab, Python). PhD must have been received within 3 years from date of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of subsurface pore-pressure modeling, earthquake nucleation processes, fault rupture propagation, and seismic hazard modeling.
Salary Range
$70,000 + depending on qualifications
Working Conditions
  • May work around standard office conditions
  • Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
  • Occasional weekend, overtime, and evening work to meet deadlines
  • Occasional travel intrastate, interstate, international
  • Occasional fieldwork as necessary

Required Materials
  • Resume/CV
  • 3 work references with their contact information
  • Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
Employment Eligibility:
Please make sure you meet all the required qualifications and you can perform all of the essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Retirement Plan Eligibility:
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
Background Checks:
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Pay Transparency:
The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.
Employment Eligibility Verification:
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
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E-Verify:
The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:
  • E-Verify Poster (English) [PDF]
  • E-Verify Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
  • Right To Work Poster (English) [PDF]
  • Right To Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:
Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.
The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

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