Postdoctoral position in applied geophysics

Postdoctoral position in applied geophysics on three-dimensional inverse modelling and time-series processing of electromagnetic data

Are you interested in working with three-dimensional inverse modelling of electromagnetic geophysical data with the support of competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an employer that invests in sustainable employeeship and offers safe, favourable working conditions? We welcome you to apply for a postdoctoral position at Uppsala University.

The Department of Earth Sciences at Uppsala University is Sweden´s largest and most versatile department of its kind with approximately 280 employees. Our activities are interdisciplinary and combine natural science and technology with social science. We have research programs in air, water and landscape science; geophysics; natural resources and sustainable development; petrology, mineralogy and tectonics; paleobiology, and wind energy. By investigating the history of Earth, we understand how our planet has developed over time and how sustainable development benefits from this knowledge. Visit the Department of Earth Sciences for more information. 

The electromagnetic (EM) geophysics group participates in an ERA-MIN3 project related to new exploration technologies for mineral resources. The focus areas are novel three- dimensional (3D) joint imaging methods for EM and seismic methods as well as 3D geomodelling. Over the last several years, the group has carried out extensive magnetotelluric (MT) campaigns in the Swedish Caledonides, and, together with SGU, electromagnetic data in the very-low-frequency (VLF) and low-frequency (LF) bands were collected with drones over a variety of mineral prospecting and geo-engineering targets.

The advertised postdoc position is placed in the Geophysics program of the Department of Earth Sciences. This postdoc project aims at 3D inverse modelling and time-series processing of the EM data collected in the ERA-MIN3 project. 3D inversion of the MT data collected in the Swedish Caledonides and processing and inversion of the air-borne VLF and LF data are further possible aims.

Duties
The postdoctoral fellow will apply an in-house 3D and 2D inversion code to frequency-domain controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) and radiomagnetotelluric (RMT) data collected as part of the ERA-MIN3 project. Project partners from Finland, France and Poland have performed seismic 3D imaging, geoelectric 3D inversion and 3D geo-modelling. The reflection seismic images and logging data from a 1.7 km deep borehole are to be used to further constrain the models derived from CSEM and RMT data. This task may involve further development of the 3D part of the in-house inversion code to allow for inclusion of such prior information. The candidate will cooperate with the project partners.

Furthermore, the postdoctoral fellow may work on the MT data collected in the Swedish Caledonides or on the existing drone-borne VLF and LF data. The former option includes finalising time-series processing of the MT data, inverting the resulting transfer functions for 3D models and geologically interpreting the latter. This may include the option to collect further MT data. The latter option may include extending an existing single-frequency VLF and LF code to model multi-frequency data.

The successful candidate will be given ample opportunity to further develop skills in EM field theory, time-series analysis, numerical methods such as finite elements, numerical linear algebra and gradient-based inversion techniques, parallel programming, acquisition and processing of EM field data, inclusion of seismic and borehole information in electromagnetic inversion models and interpretation of multi-dimensional resistivity models inverted from EM data.

Further duties may include supervision of PhD, MSc and BSc students and teaching at undergraduate and graduate level.

Requirements
PhD degree in geophysics or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in geophysics. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.

Solid knowledge of and skills in electromagnetic geophysics, general geophysics and mathematics and adequate knowledge of programming languages (e.g. modern FORTRAN, C++ or MATLAB) are requirements. The applicant needs to have a good command in the English language as well as adequate writing and communication skills. Further, the applicant has to have a valid driver’s licence (class B or higher).

Additional qualifications
Experience with parallel computation will be an advantage. Knowledge of geologic and tectonic processes will be considered as a particular benefit.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of two years according to central collective agreement. Full time position. Starting date 2025-05-01 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Thomas Kalscheuer, +46 18 471 3819, thomas.kalscheuer@geo.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 7 March 2025, UFV-PA 2025/217. 

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