PhD position in physics-based modeling of fault reactivation and induced seismicity
The Swiss Seismological Service (SED, www.seismo.ethz.ch ) at the Department of Earth Sciences is the agency responsible for earthquakes monitoring. The SED conducts a broad range of fundamental and applied research in earthquake science and specifically in the field of induced seismicity risk and multi-risk. Within the framework of the project Precode/FEAR at the Bedretto Underground Laboratory for Geosciences and Geonergies (www.bedrettolab.ethz.ch ), we intend to further develop physics-based models to study fault reactivation.
Project background
The Bedretto Underground Laboratory for Geoscience and Geo-energies offers the outstanding opportunities to observe and analyse countless pico-earthquakes induced during stimulation or mine-by experiments under controlled and repeatable conditions. Using borehole-based multi-parameter arrays of sensors, we strive to model fluid-rock interactions, effects of tunnelling and other triggering mechanism related to fault reactivation and interpret the results in a multidisciplinary context.
With funding from the PRECODE "Progressive Excavation Damage zone evolution during and post mine-by tunneling" and the ERC Synergy project FEAR “Fault Activation and Earthquake Rupture”, we seek at analyzing the impact of tunnel construction on potential reactivation of fault zones and the associated changes in their hydraulic properties as well as modeling earthquake nucleation experiments at decameter scale. As part of a highly interdisciplinary team of scientists you will be involved in designing and modelling experiments on earthquake nucleation, propagation and termination (Contacts: Dr. Antonio Pio Rinaldi, Prof. S. Wiemer).
Job description
You will focus on using advanced numerical modeling tools (e.g. TOUGH-FLAC) to perform numerical simulation of fault reactivation at the scale fo the Bedretto Lab (tens to hundreds of meters) and upscaling to the scale of natural/induced seismicity. You will improve current numerical models by implementing theoretical advances in simulators, helping to build a bridge between the different modeling scales. The project is quite flexible and depending on emerging opportunities. You may focus also on modeling for induced seismicity forecasting (e.g. for real-time mitigation purposes) or machine-learning approaches.
The work will be conducted at SED under the supervision of Dr. Antonio Pio Rinaldi and Prof. Stefan Wiemer.
Your profile
You are highly motivated candidate and have strong curiosity about numerical modeling of coupled fluid flow and geomechanics:
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.
Interested?
We look forward to receiving your online application by Jan, 31st 2022, with the following documents:
- Motivation Letter
- Full CV and diplomas
- Contact details of two referees
A first round of online interviews will take place in February 2022. The position is available for starting as soon as possible, but the starting date is flexible. 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 Swiss Seismological Service can be found on our website www.seismo.ethz.ch . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Antonio Pio Rinaldi, email: [email protected] (no applications).
In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.
Similar Positions
-
Ph D Student In Scientific Computing Focusing On Earthquake Modeling, Uppsala University, Sweden, 1 day ago
Published: 2024-04-12 Are you interested in working with earthquake simulations, with the support of competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an empl...
-
Ph D Candidate In Structural Geology, Field Mapping, Data Integration And 3 D Modelling So Iv 30/24 , NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway, about 19 hours ago
1st June 2024 Languages English English English The Department of Geoscience and Petroleum (IGP) has a vacancy for a PhD Candidate in structural geology, field mapping, data integration and 3D mod...
-
Ph D Position In Micro Mechanics Of Dynamic Friction In A Single Grain Contact, University of Twente, Netherlands, about 1 hour ago
Vacancies PhD position in Micro-mechanics of dynamic friction in a single-grain contact Key takeaways At the Surface Technology and Tribology (STT) chair in the faculty of Engineering Technology (...
-
Ph D Position: Development Of Catalysts To Convert Co2 Into Alcohols , ETH Zurich, Switzerland, about 24 hours ago
100%, Zurich, fixed-term The Laboratory of Energy Science and Engineering (LESE, ETH Zürich) is looking for a candidate to fill a PhD position to develop catalysts for the conversion ofCO2 into a...
-
Ph D Position In Experimental Cloud Physics , ETH Zurich, Switzerland, about 23 hours ago
100%, Zurich, fixed-term The Atmospheric Physics group of Prof. Ulrike Lohmann at the Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science (IAC) at ETH Zurich invites applications for a 3-year to 3.5-yea...
-
Ph D Position In Solid State Nmr , ETH Zurich, Switzerland, about 24 hours ago
100%, Zurich, fixed-term Thesolid-state NMR research group in the Departement of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences is looking for a PhD student on the topic of pulse-sequence optimization based on...