Student Assistant for the Bedretto Underground Laboratory for Geosciences and Geoenergies

20%-30%, Zurich, fixed-term

The BedrettoLab (Bedretto Underground Laboratory for Geosciences and Geoenergies) is an innovative research facility operated by ETH Zurich. It is situated in a 5.2 kilometers long tunnel with entrance in the Bedretto Valley (TI). The BedrettoLab, which is outfitted with cutting-edge technology, provides perfect circumstances for conducting experimental study on earthquakes nucleation, geothermal reservoir building and heat exchanges. The laboratory is also key to creating state-of-the-art methods and sensors for geothermal energy exploitation and earthquake physics. The BedrettoLab team consists of about 30 ETH scientists from different disciplines and collaborates with several research institutions from Switzerland, Europe and USA.

Project background

Currently, the largest project at the Bedretto Lab deals with the nucleation of earthquake ruptures with a length up to 10-100m, under controlled conditions and at a depth of more than one kilometre. A dense network of various sensor types will monitor both the rupture preparation phase, as well as the rupture process itself, with great detail and from close up. The scientists hope to gain a better understanding of earthquake dynamics. The new findings will also be used to advance experiments on the safe use of geoenergy and to improve the predictability of earthquakes.

Other ongoing projects aim at the development of a large-scale deep reservoir for the circulation of water and the storage and extraction of geothermal energy.

Job description

We are looking for students from Earth Science, engineering, or physics programs with an interest in field work, conducting scientific measurements. You will support the BedrettoLab team with:

• Data acquisition with geophysical instruments and borehole logging techniques in the BedrettoLab, Ticino
• Development of data processing and analysis software with Matlab and/or Python 
• Documentation and data storage
• Installation of sensors and scientific instruments

We are a strongly interdisciplinary team: in weekly meetings, we discuss the progress of the projects in the Lab and brainstorm the next steps. We have an inspiring work environment where bringing in own ideas is encouraged. Spinoff MSc projects are possible.

Your profile

You have good manual skills, like programming and data-analysis and are ready to work in a peculiar environment such as the BedrettoLab. We expect the candidate  being flexible in time management and be happy to work in collaboration with many colleagues from different disciplines.

You can start as soon as possible. You must be enrolled at ETHZ or UniZurich and must be willing to work 15h/week on average during the semester. It is possible to work more during the semester breaks (up to 40 hours possible). We handle working time flexibly such that you can take time to study for exams or fulfil other obligations for your studies while coordinating with the team when tasks need to be completed.

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

• An interdisciplinary team with good support and a friendly learning environment.
• Standard ETH student RA salary
• Training opportunities

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Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about the Bedretto Lab can be found on our website . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Marian Hertrich ([email protected])

For recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.

About ETH Zürich

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.