The newly founded Graduate School at the University of Potsdam (Germany) entitled “Natural Disasters: Generation, Propagation, and Impacts” invites applications for a PhD position:

Wavelet based information extraction from strong motion seismograms

Supervisors: M. Holschneider (hols[ at ]math.uni-potsdam.de), G. Zoeller (gert.zoeller[ at ]uni-potsdam.de) , F. Scherbaum (fs[ at ]geo.uni-potsdam.de)

In low seismicity regions, e.g. in Western central Europe, the ground motion of future earthquakes is commonly estimated from regression models, which have been generated from response spectra of ground motion recorded in seismically active areas.

In contrast to the Fourier spectrum, the description of a response spectrum within a simple model is not straightforward. However, for applications in engineering seismology, the Fourier spectrum has the shortcoming that it does not provide time localization. This projects aims at the design of a methodology to combine the advantages of Fourier spectra (physical models)
with those of wavelet based approaches (time localization) for purposes of seismic hazard assessment.

Applicants must have an above-average Master/Diploma degree or equivalent in the appropriate Natural Sciences and a good background in modelling and statistics. The willingness, both to do interdisciplinary research and to actively participate in the activities of the Potsdam Graduate School, is a prerequisite for the application.

Applications, preferably in electronic form, should include a CV, copies of degree certificates, and possibly a letter of recommendation. They should be forwarded to:

Gert Zoeller
Institut fuer Physik
Universitaet Potsdam
Am Neuen Palais 10
D-14469 Potsdam
Germany
email: gert.zoeller[ at ]uni-potsdam.de

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled. Equal opportunity is part of our personnel policy. The University of Potsdam encourages applications from qualified female candidates.