PhD Position in Observational Earthquake Seismology

In der aktuellen Covid-19 Situation laufen die Rekrutierungen weiter. Es kann dabei allerdings zu Verzögerungen kommen. Vielen Dank für Ihr Verständnis.

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The group of Seismology and Geodynamics at the Department of Earth Sciences, ETH Zurich invites applications for a PhD student position with a focus on earthquake physics and geothermal energies. The goal is to combine modern seismic processing methods (in particular, deep learning, seismic array processing and gradiometry) to develop a new generation of seismic monitoring and inference methods for in-situ seismic experiments.

Project background

One major obstacle for understanding the physics of earthquakes is that, usually, earthquake phenomena can only be observed from large distances, where much information has already been lost to seismic attenuation. Next-generation underground laboratories, like the recently built Bedretto Underground Laboratory for Geophysics and Geoenergies (BULGG ), address this challenge in that they facilitate in-situ, short distance obser­va­tions for experiments under natural crustal stress and hydro-mechanical con­di­tions.

Building on the improved monitoring conditions these labs provide, we can potentially tackle long-standing fundamental science questions that have been difficult to address in more conventional settings (e.g. on the origin of high frequency radiated seismic energy or on the role of aseismic deformation around seismogenic faults). To make full use of these observational opportunities, however, we need to develop a new generation of monitoring and inference methods.

Job description

In this project, you will develop the next-level seismic inference methods that are tailored for the largest planned experiment at the BULGG lab so far: the ERC Synergy Project Fault Activation and Earthquake Rupture (FEAR ) aims to induce a 50m long seismic rupture (magnitude ~0.5) under controlled conditions. The core of this PhD project is to develop and optimise the methods for monitoring:

• seismic precursory signals
• the "main shock" itself, and
• the post-event response of the experimental volume, and to analyse the resulting data products (seismicity catalogues, seismic source descriptions, etc.).

To reach a monitoring system with outstanding performance we will combine supervised deep learning methods with seismic array processing and gradiometry techniques. The developed methods will provide deep seismicity catalogues with very high detection sensitivity and characterisation accuracy, as well as reliable source characteri­sa­tions for larger earthquake ruptures in an in-situ context. Together with the comprehensive short distance observations and the direct fault access the BULGG lab provides, this may allow us to address various fundamental science questions, and to gather the process understand­ing we need to safely operate deep geothermal reservoirs.

Your profile

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated young scientist with a knack for quantitative problem solving, coding and for working with large data sets. The position requires a Master's degree in Earth Sciences, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering or a related discipline. You should have an interest in developing outstanding data processing and coding skills in common scientific languages such as Python or Matlab; candidates with advanced coding abilities will be preferred. Importantly, working in an underground laboratory means working in a team. The position requires excellent teamwork abilities and communication skills (spoken and written English). You will be expected to develop and implement an independent research agenda, to publish papers in high-level peer reviewed journals, participate in international conferences, and to perform basic teaching assistant duties.

We offer

This project is embedded in an exciting research environment, with a large, diverse and interdisciplinary research team. ETH Zurich offers one of the best earth science and geophysics programs worldwide, and has generally excellent resources in terms of mentoring and infrastructure. The city of Zurich is widely known for its high standard of living, close proximity to the Swiss Alps and central location within western Europe. 

The position is available immediately and will stay open until the role is filled. The working language is English. The salary and general working conditions are internationally highly competitive and according to ETH standards.

ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich