Postdoctoral Research Associate – Acoustic emission monitoring in analog models

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

3d

About The Position

The Department of Earth, Atmosphere, and Climate in Iowa State University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to study acoustic emission monitoring of multiphase deformation experiments. The successful candidate will develop an acoustic monitoring system for an existing ring shear apparatus to monitor the failure of brittle clasts embedded in fluid during deformation. The experiments will quantify where and when brittle failure occurs in a semi-brittle material and connect local deformation mechanisms to large-scale bulk deformation. Findings may inform how semi-brittle materials are represented in numerical models and other large-scale simulations.

This is a collaborative project between Iowa State University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The associate will need to work independently and collaborate effectively across disciplines and institutions. Strong oral and written communication skills are required. The position is full-time, initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal for a second year.

Requirements

• PhD in geosciences, physics, engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with acoustic emission, ultrasonic, or seismic monitoring and data processing.
• Experience developing experimental setups.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively across disciplines and institutions.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with analog modelling.
• Experience in geophysics or structural geology.

Responsibilities

• Develop an acoustic monitoring system for an existing ring shear apparatus.
• Monitor the failure of brittle clasts embedded in fluid during deformation experiments.
• Quantify the spatial and temporal patterns of brittle failure in a semi-brittle material.
• Connect local deformation mechanisms to large-scale bulk deformation.
• Work independently and collaborate across disciplines and institutions.

Benefits

• Medical and dental benefits.
• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
• Vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans.
• Onsite childcare in Ames, Iowa.
• Life insurance and long-term disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Voluntary benefits and discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Wellbeing program.
• WorkFlex options for some positions, offering flexibility in when, where, and how work is done.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree