Junior Network Seismologist - Induced Seismicity in Zürich

80%-100%, Zurich, temporary

The at ETH Zurich (SED) is searching for a Junior Network Seismologist to join the project team for induced seismicity monitoring and expert advice. The successful candidate will help the team to support cantonal authorities in developing monitoring networks and mitigation strategies for induced seismicity in deep geothermal projects in Switzerland.

Deep geothermal energy is foreseen in the to be an essential component of Switzerland's future energy portfolio. To successfully exploit deep geothermal energy, adequate risk governance of induced seismicity is critically important for establishing safe and economically viable projects. Achieving this goal, primarily involves providing state-of-the-art seismological advice for decision-making to cantonal authorities, and enabling an adequate, independent, and transparent seismic monitoring for deep geothermal projects. The GEOBEST2020+ project, funded by the (SFOE), enables the SED to support cantonal authorities in handling issues related to induced seismicity during all development phases of a deep geothermal project (i.e., preliminary investigation, permitting, construction, and operation phase).

The primary responsibilities of the successful candidate are to:

• Install seismic monitoring networks at geothermal project sites (including site survey, testing, permitting, installation)
• Routinely analyze the microseismicity in the vicinity of the project sites and generate regular reports for the cantonal authorities
• Help to operate project-specific earthquake alarming systems and provide up-to-date earthquake information to the authorities and for public project-specific websites
• Help to develop-further approaches of waveform similarity analysis to improve microseismic monitoring and imaging focusing on injection-induced seismicity applications

The position is initially for two years, with the possibility of an extension. The candidate will work in a highly collaborative environment, with close links to authorities and industry partners. She/He may also join the team that is routinely monitoring Swiss seismicity. The working language at the SED is English, though we are specifically searching for candidates that are also fluent in French. We will positively regard basic knowledge of German and Italian.

Candidates should have a Master's degree or Ph.D. in geophysics or a related field, with a strong focus on seismology and documented experience on relevant subjects that may include: earthquake location, source parameter inversion, waveform analysis, software development for seismic networks, and data mining. A solid background in programming, preferably in Python, is required. Experience or familiarity with the SeisComP3 monitoring system is not necessary but would be of advantage.

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.