The Geologic Hazards Science Center aims to leverage the advantages of cloud computing for the creation and distribution of critical, real-time products and new machine learning algorithms. There are several approaches that could be used for migrating the software, including a “lift and shift” model of running the applications in an environment that mimics traditional “on-prem” servers. However, this approach would not leverage the full potential of cloud computing for both efficiency and the possible new frontiers in geophysical modeling. Core Environmental Hazards Program products such as Did You Feel It, ShakeMap, and PAGER (Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response), have the potential to incorporate new features or improved performance when redesigned for a cloud native environment. The Finite Fault modelling software also could benefit from scalable cloud resources and parallelization. High performance computing and machine learning are cloud resources that could potentially be incorporated into the operations. The National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) has machine learning algorithms that derive additional classification information on near-real-time continuous seismic data.
The acquisition of this continuous seismic data is on the order of 30GB per day, 24/7/365, from seismometers around the planet. Generally, the processing and the data should be in the same network space for optimized performance. The cloud offers a plethora of data storage, data distribution, and data analysis options that need to be explored for the most efficient and cost-effective approach to managing this data in the cloud for optimized processing and product creation.
Additionally, The USGS is developing a system known as “EarthMAP” which will assemble and overlay information in an actionable format. EarthMAP is under development, so while the path to integration is not completely defined, the development of cloud-based systems producing information in machine readable, standardized formats will prime the information to be incorporated when the timing is appropriate.
This Research Opportunity seeks to find innovative methods to solve these highly visible and mission critical needs. This could include optimizing and improving some of the benchmark products or finding solutions to the challenging infrastructure problems which are unique to the mission and have no pre-defined approach.
Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Research Advisor(s) early in the application process to discuss project ideas.
Proposed Duty Station: Golden, CO
Areas of PhD: Computer science or related fields (candidates holding a Ph.D. in other disciplines, but with extensive knowledge and skills relevant to the Research Opportunity may be considered).
Qualifications: Applicants must meet the qualifications for: Research Computer 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.)
Human Resources Office Contact: Joseline Martinez Lopez, 303-236-9559, jmartinezlopez@usgs.gov
