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USGS Mendenhall Research Fellowship. RO 22-17. Advancing automated infrasound signal detection...

Department of the Interior
Geological Survey
This job announcement has closed

Summary

What General Information Do I Need to Know About This Position?

Salary: $93,367 (Step 01) to $121,378 (Step 10). The selectee will be entitled to a cost-of-living allowance of 2.01% in addition to the basic salary.
NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01.

There is one vacancy; however, this announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies if they become available.

Overview

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Job canceled
Open & closing dates
09/05/2023 to 11/01/2023
Salary
$93,367 to - $121,378 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 12
Location
Few vacancies in the following location:
Anchorage, AK
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Term - 2 years
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
12
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
USGS-SAC-23-12105423-MNH-MW
Control number
745873400

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Open to all qualified candidates who meet the eligibility requirements of the Mendenhall Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. Because this fellowship is a U.S. Government position, preference must be given to U.S. citizens. Citizens of other nations may be considered under certain circumstances, i.e., when there are no qualified U.S. citizen applicants available. In those instances, the USGS may consider making an offer to a non-citizen provided applicable laws and regulations are followed.

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Duties

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Mendenhall Postdoctoral Research Fellowship - Research Opportunity #: 22-17. Advancing automated infrasound signal detection and classification

Low-frequency sound in the atmosphere (infrasound) is generated by many natural processes that have the potential to be hazardous to life and property. This has spurred the recent, rapid expansion in the use of infrasound as a tool for detecting and monitoring sources including volcanic eruptions, landslides, rock falls, lahars, and debris flows. The result of the expansion of infrasound in hazard monitoring has been an exponential growth in the volume of high-quality infrasound data from regional and local sensors in areas of naturals hazards such as eruptions and mass movements. Much of this data comes from arrays of closely spaced sensors that are capable of distinguishing coherent signals from noise through processing methods that have been in use for decades. However, efforts to discriminate and classify coherent signals detected on monitoring arrays are typically done by analysts, if at all. Real-time monitoring and response operations are limited by the lack of routine classification of infrasound signals, and the growing volume of data and study areas containing multiple sources (e.g., explosive volcanic eruptions that trigger lahars, or rock falls near calving glaciers) creates additional challenges. Routine infrasound classification has significant potential to support hazard monitoring and provide critical data to better understand the fundamental physics of the underlying phenomena.

Automated infrasound detection and classification is of broad interest across the USGS Natural Hazards Mission Area and would have immediate benefits to at least two program areas. The Volcano Hazards Program (VHP) utilizes infrasound to monitor for explosive eruptions and large mass movements, including real-time detection of lahars (e.g., monitoring lahars at Mount Rainier). These are major hazards at many volcanoes in the US, making the rapid detection and characterization of such events of utmost importance; however, mass movements and explosions detected on the more than 30 existing VHP arrays are not currently systematically cataloged or characterized. The Landslide Hazards Program (LHP) collects data on landslide occurrence and processes, conducts fundamental research on landslide dynamics, and seeks to improve methods for situational awareness and early warning. The LHP has a specific requirement to monitor landslides in Prince William Sound, AK (Barry Arm, Alaska landslide and tsunami monitoring). The Barry Arm landslide in Prince William Sound is monitored with a local infrasound array that has captured numerous small mass movements and rock falls, as well as abundant glacial calving and snow avalanche events, thus providing a wide variety of signal types from multiple sources of interest in a geographically compact area. Nearby instrumentation and camera systems provide known locations, times, and durations for many of these event types. These data provide a robust training and calibration dataset to develop, refine, and test algorithms for automated and potential real-time detection and classification of infrasound signals at this unique location.

We seek a Fellow to advance USGS infrasound monitoring capabilities such as automatic signal categorization (e.g., volcanic eruptions, landslides, rock falls, lahars, and debris flows), development of detection and characterization algorithms, and building a robust infrastructure for signal processing and event documentation to support real-time monitoring and scientific analyses of sources.

Proposed Duty Station: Anchorage, Alaska

Areas of Ph.D: Geophysics, seismology, computer science, or related fields (candidates holding a Ph.D. in other disciplines but with knowledge and skills relevant to the Research Opportunity may be considered).

Qualifications: Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications: Research Geophysicist, Research Geologist, Research Computer Scientist, Research Mathematician, Research Physical Scientist

(This type of research is performed by those who have backgrounds for the occupations stated above. However, other titles may be applicable depending on the applicant's background, education, and research proposal. The final classification of the position will be made by the Human Resources Specialist.)

Physical/Environmental Demands: Work is usually performed in an office setting. The work area normally involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of offices or meeting and training rooms. Occasional physical activities required in possible field assignments include walking over uneven terrain and carrying and operating field equipment. Field work may involve exposure to potentially dangerous situations and exposure to moderate discomforts, such as cold or hot temperatures and inclement weather.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

Key Requirements:

  1. Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
  2. Selectee may be subject to serving a trial period.
  3. Selectee subject to successfully passing a pre-employment medical exam.
  4. More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Other Information.

Are There Any Special Requirements For This Position?

  • If selected you may be asked to provide information regarding your COVID-19 vaccination status for the purposes of implementing workplace safety protocols, such as those related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.
  • A background investigation will be required for this position. Continued employment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
  • Taking and passing a pre-employment medical examination at Federal expense is required due to the physical demands of this job.
  • Because this position requires travel for official business, the selectee will be required to apply for a charge card within 30 calendar days of appointment. Individuals who have delinquent account balances from a previous Government charge card will be required to satisfy their existing obligation before a new card can be issued.
  • Throughout the recruitment and hiring process we will be communicating with you via email; therefore, it is imperative that the email address you provide when applying for this vacancy remains active. Should your email address change, please notify the point of contact identified in the vacancy announcement as soon as possible so that we can update our system.

Qualifications

General Information

The Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program provides an opportunity for postdoctoral fellows to conduct concentrated research in association with USGS scientists, often as a final element to their formal career preparation. The Program also provides: 1) research experiences that enhance the scientific stature and credentials of the Fellows; and 2) scientific expertise to assist in the implementation of the USGS Strategic Plan and the science strategy of its programs. Mendenhall Fellows are expected to publish their results in peer-reviewed scientific outlets.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be considered for these opportunities, candidates must:

(1) have successfully completed a Ph.D. in a field related to the described Research Opportunity no earlier than September 5, 2018 (5 years before the announcement opening date); OR

(2) if close to completion, have all Ph.D. requirements completed and must submit proof of completion prior to receiving an official start date;

(3) meet the qualification requirements described in the Research Opportunity. The research proposal submitted must demonstrate that the applicant is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties for the specific Research Opportunity.

Start Date and Completion of PhD:

It is anticipated that this position will start no later than March 2025. The person selected must have all PhD requirements completed and MUST submit proof of completion prior to receiving an official start date. Exceptions may be made for a later start date on a case-by-case basis.

NOTICE TO NON-CITIZENS

Under Executive Order 11935, only United States citizens and nationals (residents of American Samoa and Swains Island) may compete for civil service jobs. A Federal agency is permitted to hire non-citizens only in very limited circumstances where there are no qualified citizens available for the position, AND the non-citizen meets the appropriation act and immigration laws. Read the information provided in the following link. If a non-citizen does not meet the appropriation act and immigration laws, then they cannot be considered for this Mendenhall Opportunity. Please contact the person under Agency Contact Information for questions about eligibility and further assistance. https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/non-citizens/.

Foreign Education. You must provide proof, if the foreign education determines your qualifications for the position. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if the applicant can show that the foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide such evidence when applying for Federal jobs. If selected, you will be required to provide official proof that such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.usgs.gov/about/organization/science-support/human-capital/how-foreign-education-evaluated-federal-jobs .

You must meet all eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.

Education

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Additional information

  • Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid by the Federal Government. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the responsibility of the selectee.
  • These research opportunities are in the excepted service and are being filled through a Schedule A noncompetitive appointing authority. Appointments do not confer competitive or permanent status in the Federal Government nor are they subject to competitive examining procedures. The Mendenhall appointment may, in certain circumstances, be extended for up to an additional two years though rare.
  • USGS has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework in accordance with the DOI Telework policy and with supervisor approval. The official worksite for the selectee is the duty station identified in this vacancy announcement. The selectee will typically report to this duty location on a regular and recurring weekly basis.
  • For additional information on our internal telework policy, please reference the Department of the Interior Telework Handbook at: https://www.doi.gov/telework/policies.
  • USGS employees are subject to Title 43, USC Section 31(a) and may not: (a) have any personal, private, direct or indirect interest in lands or mineral wealth of lands under survey; (b) have any substantial personal, private, or direct or indirect interest in any private mining or mineral enterprise doing business with the United States; or (c) execute surveys or examinations for private parties or corporations.
  • The application contains information subject to the Privacy Act (P.L. 93-579, 5 USC 552a). The information is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under Title 5, USC, Section 3302 and 3361.
  • Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.
  • DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
  • The Department of the Interior (DOI) places a high value on diversity of experience and cultural perspectives and encourages applications from all interested eligible candidates. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are fundamental principles that guide the Department and allow us to successfully achieve our mission.
  • THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
Agency Benefits:

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

The Human Resources Office will provide the hiring official with application material for review and consideration. The Research Advisor and/or hiring official will review the application material and contact candidates for interviews as needed. A subject matter expert panel will be convened. If an applicant is chosen for an opportunity and meets the qualification requirements, the Human Resources Office will contact the applicant and make a firm job offer. For Research Opportunities with multiple duty stations, the selection of the official duty station will be made by the USGS.

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