Postdoc or Senior Researcher Position in Statistical Seismology in Zürich

100%, Zurich, temporary

The Chair of Seismology that directs the Swiss Seismological Service at ETH Zurich (SED, ) is offering a postdoc or senior researcher position in Statistical Seismology. We are looking for excellent scientists that will join ongoing interdisciplinary teams and research efforts, focused on enhancing the understanding of induced earthquakes.

The Horizon2020 - GEOTHERMICA project DEEP (Innovation for De-Risking Enhanced Geothermal Energy Projects) brings together a distinguished and interdisciplinary team of scientists and practitioners from around the world committed to provide answers to the challenges related to induced seismicity and convincingly present more reliable procedures to assess and reduce the seismic risk. DEEP executes an ambitious work program that leverages on national efforts, bringing ongoing and planned, but currently fragmented initiatives together into a coherent international effort towards the ultimate goal of de-risking future geothermal projects worldwide. Seismic risk reduction and reservoir efficiency are coupled problems in the case of EGS reservoirs: balancing risk and economic output is a key requirement and DEEP has a strong focus on optimization of monitoring and risk assessment procedures in order to reduce commercial costs to future projects. A strong focus of DEEP will be the application of data driven approaches for risk management at the US Department of Energy geothermal test site FORGE in Utah. 

You will join a team of observational seismologists, reservoir engineers and software developers in the quest to develop and test innovative seismic monitoring systems and data-driven, real time risk assessment and risk mitigation approaches. We are looking for candidates with experience in the analysis and forecasting of induced seismicity using statistical, hybrid and physics-based approaches. Uncertainty quantification, ensemble modelling and real-time performance evaluation are required skills. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with industry partners and in partnership with the US Department of Energy geothermal test site FORGE in Utah. 

The position is initially funded for three years, with the possibility of extension, part time employment can be considered if justified. The candidates will work in a highly collaborative environment with close links to academic and industry partners and will have the opportunity to participate in student supervision, teaching and proposal writing. Our aim is to create cross-fertilization within diverse and interdisciplinary teams that sparks insight and innovation.

The working language at the department is English. At the Department of Earth Sciences, we are committed to promoting flexible and family-friendly working models, and a healthy work-life balance is important to us. ETH Zurich supports a policy for diversity and inclusion and we especially encourage qualified female candidates to apply. 

Interested candidates should have:

1. A PhD in Geophysics, Geology, Physics, Engineering, Statistics, or equivalent,
2. A proven record of excellence and innovation in a relevant domain of seismological research, and the interest to work in a highly collaborative and team-oriented environment. 
3. Proficiency in written and spoken English, experience in project management, supervision etc, is considered a plus. 

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.