Postdoctoral position in Exploration Geophysics with focus on DAS

Postdoctoral position in Exploration Geophysics with focus on distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) 

Are you interested in working with innovative exploration methods, with the support of competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? 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. 

Innovative seismic solutions are required for high-resolution imaging of the subsurface at various scales and for different purposes. To meet the climate goals, an accelerated effort is needed to help energy transition and decarbonization of our industry. This should enter in all domains of activities including in exploration for critical raw materials. The Geophysics Program is currently running projects involving studies of major crustal structures of the Baltic Shield, novel geophysical instruments and methods for deep mineral exploration, urban geophysics, geological storage of CO2, and development of electromagnetic instruments and methods for near-surface and deep crustal-scale studies. We coordinate the recently established Smart Exploration Research Centre (funded by the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research, SSF) where three other major universities and several industry partners participate. The Geophysics Program runs its own ~2500-channel (cabled and 1C/3C wireless), a state-of-the-art 120-3C seismic landstreamer acquisition system, and uses modern processing and imaging software. It is also well equipped with modern downhole logging equipment and distributed acoustic sensing interrogators. The program also runs the Swedish National Seismic Network (SNSN), consisting of about 70 permanent broadband stations, and has an extensive equipment pool for passive field studies. Further information about the program and the department can be found at Department of Earth Sciences.

Duties
The postdoc will conduct research within the newly established Smart Exploration Research Centre. A major component of the research involves developing seismic solutions with cutting-edge distributed-acoustic sensing or DAS methods for both deep targeting and site characterization including mine tailings. The postdoctoral fellow will also work within a larger research team including experts from different universities and industry partners. The postdoc will be responsible to promote project activities through high-quality publications. It is also possible to be part of a series of geophysical prototype testing and validation work. The project includes fieldworks, and the candidate should be willing to spend time in the field collecting data.

Requirements
PhD degree in geophysics, related geosciences, 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.

Experience and knowledge of seismic imaging and DAS data acquisition and processing workflows, instrumentation and programming in Python (or equivalent required for the work) is required. Good oral and written proficiency in English is required.

Additional qualifications
It is an advantage if you are well-organized and are good at multi-tasking, have knowledge in technical media, open-minded and team player with good social skills. Driving license is a merit. 

Application
In your application include your CV, certified copies of diplomas and certificates, and a personal letter describing yourself and your relevant experience (maximum 2 pages). In your cover letter specifically explain how much your experience fits the position. The application should also contain a summary of your PhD thesis, publications, and contact information for, or letters from at least two referees. 

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of two years according to central collective agreement. Full time position. Starting date 2025-04-01 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Prof. Alireza Malehmir tel. +46(0)18-471 2335, alireza.malehmir@geo.uu.se

Please submit your application by 14 February 2025, UFV-PA 2025/219.

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