Postdoctoral Researcher


Position Overview

Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) seeks applicants for a full-time postdoctoral research position within the Geophysics/Exploration Services group. The selected candidate will be working as a part of a research team on the development and implementation of approaches based on machine learning (ML) and optimization algorithms in the field of signal processing, seismic imaging and inversion. The position involves developing ML solutions for data analysis with the focus on performing research in the evaluation and improvement of geophysical methods for near-surface characterization and seismic anomaly detection. This is a one-year appointment with the possibility of an extension.

This postdoc will be part of the Geophysics/Exploration Services group at the KGS, a research center within the University of Kansas.

SALARY, EMPLOYMENT STATUS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS: This position is funded for one year with an expected salary range of $55,000 - $60,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. Annual professional development budget is provided. Other benefits include university staff privileges; 176 hours of paid vacation earned per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical, dental, vision insurance options, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities. The initial appointment will be for one year with the expectation of renewal assuming satisfactory performance and available funding.

KANSAS GEOLOGICAL SURVEY: The Kansas Geological Survey is a research and service division of the University of Kansas that investigates and provides information about the state's geologic and groundwater resources. The KGS has no regulatory authority and does not take positions on natural resource issues.
KGS scientists pursue research related to surface and subsurface geology, energy resources, groundwater, and environmental hazards. They develop innovative tools and techniques, monitor earthquakes and groundwater levels, investigate water-quality concerns, and map the state's surface geology. Their analyses, findings, and data are shared with the scientific community and general public through publications, online resources, and presentations.

LAWRENCE: A city of approximately 95,000, Lawrence is located on a rolling landscape 35 miles west of the major metropolitan area of Kansas City and 20 miles east of Topeka, the state capital. Home to Haskell Indian Nations University (http://www.haskell.edu) as well as KU, Lawrence offers the cultural and athletic events of a university setting. For more information on Lawrence, please visit the Lawrence Convention and Visitors Bureau (http://www.visitlawrence.com), the Lawrence CyberVillage (http://www.ci.lawrence.ks.us), or the City of Lawrence (http://www.lawrenceks.org) web pages.



Job Description

90% - Develop and implement ML based models and neural networks for signal processing and seismic imaging.

5% - Disseminate findings through conference presentations and publications.

5% - Service to the discipline and institution through participation in activities that may include collaboration with other KGS researchers, scientific peer review, serving professional societies, and public outreach and education.

Position Requirements

  1. This position will work on-site at the Lawrence, KS west campus.

Required Qualifications

1. Ph.D. in imaging science, computer science, mathematics, physics, earth science or other related field conferred no more than 5 years prior to the start date.
2. Experience in developing machine/deep learning algorithms, as evidenced in application materials.
3. Coding experience in C++ / Python / MATLAB, as evidenced by application materials.
4. Experience working both independently and collaboratively, as demonstrated by work experience.
5. Peer-reviewed publications and/or conference presentations, as evidenced by application materials.

To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the PhD conferred at the time of hire. Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointment on an acting basis not to exceed 6-months. Upon verification of degree, the appointment will be extended to its full duration.

Preferred Qualifications

  1. Familiarity with physics-informed/guided neural networks.
  2. Experience with diffraction imaging.
  3. Experience with seismic inversion.
  4. Experience with data processing.

Additional Candidate Instructions

In addition to the online application, please upload the following information:
  1. Cover letter (max 2 pages) including how you meet the required and preferred qualifications, your career goals, and why you are excited about the position.
  2. Full CV.
  3. Contact information for 3 references (relationship, email address and phone number).
  4. College and graduate school transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable).
Application review begins Monday, August 26th, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.

Contact Information to Applicants

For technical questions contact Dr. Dmitry Borisov, dborisov@ku.edu.
For all other questions contact Annette Delaney, adelaney@ku.edu or 785-864-2152

Advertised Salary Range

$55,000 - $60,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

Work Schedule

8-5, M-F

Application Review Begins

Monday August 26, 2024

Anticipated Start Date

Monday November 4, 2024

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Posting Information

  • Posting ID:  28366BR
  • Department:  Kansas Geological Survey
  • Primary Campus:  University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
  • Assignment:  On-Site
  • Reg/Temp:  Regular
  • Employee Class:  U-Unclassified Professional Staff
  • Review Begins:  26-Aug-2024

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