PhD Candidate / PhD Candidate

PhD Position: Optimization of Shut-In Strategies to Reduce Induced Seismicity

100%, Zurich, Fixed-term

The Chair of Engineering Geology and the BedrettoLab at ETH Zurich invite applications for a PhD position within a research project focusing on poroelastic effects and induced seismicity in geothermal systems. This position emphasizes post-shut-in seismicity and the design of safer operational protocols. Induced seismicity in geothermal systems often persists after injection or production ceases, known as post-shut-in or trailing seismicity. Notably, some of the largest seismic events occur during this period, presenting challenges for hazard mitigation and operational safety. Although extensive modeling efforts have been conducted, the governing mechanisms remain incompletely understood, and field observations of pressure and deformation during shut-in, which could enhance our process understanding, are scarce. This project harnesses the unique monitoring capabilities of the Bedretto Underground Laboratory to investigate these processes and develop experimentally validated guidelines for safer shut-in strategies.

Job Description

• Investigate pressure, deformation, and seismicity data from hydraulic stimulation experiments to derive conceptual models of post-shut-in processes.
• Develop hydromechanical models to reproduce observed shut-in behavior and test competing hypotheses (e.g., pressure diffusion vs. poroelastic effects).
• Develop/apply earthquake source physics models to understand induced seismicity processes.
• Design and execute controlled hydraulic stimulation and production experiments with various shut-in protocols.
• Quantify how different shut-in strategies influence seismicity rates and magnitudes.
• Derive recommendations for optimized shut-in procedures to minimize induced seismic hazard.
• Publish results, present at conferences, and contribute to project reporting.

Profile

• MSc degree in Engineering Geology, Geophysics, Seismology, Earth Sciences, Physics, Engineering, or a related field.
• Interest in induced seismicity, geomechanics, and field experiments.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Interest in learning complex numerical modeling tools.
• Programming skills (Python and/or MATLAB required).
• Willingness to participate in underground field campaigns.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment.
• Strong communication skills in English (German and/or French is a plus).

Workplace

The PhD student will be hosted at the Chair of Engineering Geology at ETH Zurich, closely collaborating with a multidisciplinary research team comprising members from the Swiss Seismological Service and the BedrettoLab.

What We Offer

• A fully funded PhD position (up to 4 years).
• Employment according to ETH Zurich regulations.
• Access to the Bedretto Underground Laboratory.
• A collaborative environment bridging research, field experiments, and real-world applications.
• Opportunities for publications and international conference participation.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn more about how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us—we are consistently striving towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

Preferred start date: August 2026.

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. Please include the following documents:

• Motivation letter
• CV
• Academic transcripts
• Contact details of 2-3 references

For further information about the BedrettoLab, please visit our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Valentin Gischig at valentin.gischig@eaps.ethz.ch (no applications).

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing 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 individuals from more than 120 countries consider our university a place that fosters independent thinking and an innovative environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we forge connections worldwide to develop solutions for today's and tomorrow's global challenges.