Postdoctoral Reasearcher (Seismology)

The Berkeley Lab’s Energy Geosciences Division (EGD) welcomes applicants for a Postdoctoral Fellow in seismology for energy-related applications such as geothermal and geological carbon storage to explore the physics of subsurface dynamics, earthquake rupturing, and the interaction between fluid and solid Earth.

In this role, the candidate will process seismic waveforms and earthquake catalogs, interpret subsurface structure changes and earthquake sources, and/or conduct fieldwork. The position involves understanding subsurface dynamics due to fluid injection/extraction under various tectonic conditions. Candidates should be familiar with some of the following: subsurface imaging with passive seismic data, geomechanics, earthquake characterization, seismicity forecasting, seismic wave physics, big data processing, machine-learning-based processing, distributed fiber optic sensing, seismic sensors and deployment, hydraulic fracturing, and/or geothermal exploration. Collaboration with geophysical, geomechanical, and geochemical experts, as well as engineers, is expected. The candidate will also develop field plans, software, and publish research in peer-reviewed journals.

What You Will Do:

• Analyze seismic data and interpret results.
• Work collaboratively with geophysicists, geochemists, hydrogeologists, civil engineers, and stakeholders to test and demonstrate the developed algorithms.
• Participate in group meetings and seminars.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals.

Additional Responsibilities as Needed:

• Process continuous seismic waveform data,
• Characterize earthquakes and induced seismicity using seismic, geological, geomechanical, and geospatial data,
• Apply earthquake statistics for seismicity characterization and forecasting,
• Develop machine-learning algorithms for data processing and interpretation, or
• Assist with seismic acquisition array design and field deployment.

What is Required:

• PhD in Geophysics, or other related disciplines.
• Basic knowledge of geophysics and seismology.
• Writing skills to publish research results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Skills for team science and collaborative work with team members.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience handling large volumes of data observed by both conventional seismometers and DAS,
• Experience using and/or developing machine learning algorithms for Earth Science applications,
• Programming skills for seismic data processing,
• Skills in solving research questions with analytical and numerical tools,
• Experience working in a collaborative research environment,
• Experience in computer programming to use large clusters, or
• California Driver's License.

Notes:

• This is a full-time, 2 year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
• The monthly salary range for this position is $6,476.00 - $8,326.00 and is expected to start at $6,476.00 or above. Postdoc positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D postdoctoral and/or related research experience.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

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