PhD Position in Reflection Seismology for Carbon Capture and Sequestration / PhD Positioness in Reflection Seismology for Carbon Capture and Sequestration

PhD Position in Reflection Seismology for Carbon Capture and Sequestration

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Institute of Geophysics at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences of ETH Zurich is seeking ambitious and talented candidates for a fully funded 4-year PhD position in reflection seismology for Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS), hosted by the Mathematical Geophysics group.

The Mathematical Geophysics group at ETH Zurich investigates a diverse range of topics related to imaging with geophysical data. Our research focuses on mathematical methods for processing, imaging, and inversion of geophysical data, the physics of wave propagation, and the development of innovative acquisition and processing techniques to study the Earth's shallow subsurface.

Project Background

Switzerland has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, making CCS technologies a critical component of this strategy—especially in sectors with hard-to-abate emissions, such as waste incineration, cement, and agriculture. CO₂ storage in the Swiss subsurface is considered an important option in the national roadmap, yet its feasibility at a significant scale has yet to be demonstrated.

Leveraging the existence of a borehole in Northern Switzerland, an interdisciplinary initiative has been launched to design and execute a pilot CO₂ injection into a saline aquifer to test its behavior and migration. This PhD project is part of this study, which aims to assess the feasibility, safety, and societal acceptance of CO₂ injection into Switzerland's subsurface. Time-lapse seismic-reflection imaging will serve as the primary tool to visualize the CO₂ plume and its migration through the subsurface. Consequently, a high-resolution, high-density 3D seismic survey was acquired in summer 2025 as a baseline for future monitoring.

Job Description

You will work at the intersection of reflection seismology, geophysical monitoring, and CCS. Your main responsibilities will include:

• Processing and imaging the newly acquired high-density 3D seismic dataset and integrating vintage 3D seismic data to characterize geological structures and potential reservoirs.
• Integrating extensive passive seismic recordings and borehole seismic data (including vertical seismic profiling, VSP) into the imaging and characterization workflow.
• Developing seismic monitoring strategies for CO₂ injection, including the design and analysis of surface-based and borehole distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) measurements in preparation for upcoming time-lapse surveys.
• Processing and interpreting time-lapse seismic data to track the migration and evolution of the CO₂ plume.
• Collaborating within an interdisciplinary team of geophysicists and reservoir engineers involved in the CCS pilot study.
• Presenting and publishing results in international conferences and peer-reviewed journals.

The project will be supervised by Dr. Cédric Schmelzbach, Dr. Dirk-Jan van Manen, and Prof. Johan Robertsson.

Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who possesses:

• A Master's degree in geophysics, physics, applied mathematics, or a closely related field.
• A strong background in seismic methods, signal processing, and/or wave physics.
• Experience or a keen interest in seismic data processing, imaging, and inversion.
• Good programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB) with a willingness to work with large datasets.
• Good command of English (spoken and written); a basic understanding of German is advantageous but not mandatory.
• The ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.

Workplace

The Institute of Geophysics at ETH Zurich provides a dynamic working environment with access to highly qualified scientists, excellent computational facilities, and a large pool of state-of-the-art geophysical equipment. Embedded within a vibrant Earth and Planetary Sciences department, we offer many opportunities for collaborative projects.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture. We uphold equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working environment where the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Sustainability is a core value for us, and we consistently strive towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to your online application, which can be submitted using the form below.

Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology, renowned for its exceptional education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university a place that fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe while forging connections globally, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.