PhD student in geophysics, focus on seismic techniques for mineral exploration

PhD student in geophysics with focus on innovative active-passive seismic techniques for mineral exploration
Are you interested in working with xx, 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 xx position at Uppsala University.

The Department of Earth Sciences at Uppsala University is among the most comprehensive geoscience departments in Europe. Our research spans a wide array of topics, from the Earth’s core to the atmosphere, on scales ranging from submicroscopic structures in minerals to mountain-building and ocean formation processes. The department offers a vibrant academic environment with teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels and has received top evaluations by the Swedish Higher Education Authority. Please visit http://www.geo.uu.se for more information.

Geophysics at Uppsala University focuses on using quantitative physical methods to investigate the Earth"s structure, history, and processes. These methods provide essential tools for understanding the Earth’s resources, including its critical raw materials, and play a key role in ensuring sustainable exploration and development.

This PhD position is part of the Smart Exploration Research Centre, a multidisciplinary initiative focused on advancing mineral exploration in a sustainable and responsible manner. More information about the center can be found at www.smartexploration.se.

Duties

The candidate will specialize in seismic methods for mineral exploration, with emphasis on active and passive seismic techniques, including both body and surface wave methodologies. A key aspect of the work will be integrating signal processing techniques, machine learning, and big data analysis to improve subsurface imaging and characterization. The project combines field-based research, computational tasks, and close collaboration with academic and industry partners. The candidate will work with state-of-the-art geophysical equipment and software, contributing to real-world exploration challenges while engaging in interdisciplinary research that spans geology, geophysics, and data science.

The position also includes publishing research findings in international peer-reviewed journals, presenting at scientific conferences, and engaging in collaborative discussions within the research team.

Requirements
To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must

• hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in geophysics, earth sciences, physics, or a related field, or
• have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or
• have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a strong interest in geophysical research and a passion for advancing mineral exploration techniques. The ideal candidate will have experience or a demonstrated interest in signal processing, seismic data analysis, machine learning, and handling large datasets. Proficiency in coding (Python, MATLAB) is essential, as the position involves developing and implementing data processing algorithms. Strong communication skills in English, both written and oral, are required. The candidate should be comfortable with conducting fieldwork, including outdoor data collection campaigns, sometimes in remote locations, and must be willing to collaborate closely with researchers from diverse academic and industry backgrounds.

Additional qualifications
Experience in seismic field data acquisition, work with new instruments and electronics, seismic data formats, Linux/Unix and programming skills are important and will be considered a merit. A driving license is a merit as this may be needed for field works.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 1 june or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Dr. Myrto Papadopoulou, myrto.papadopoulou@geo.uu.se

Please submit your application by 13 May 2025, UFV-PA 2025/1153.

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