Postdoctoral Researcher / Postdoctoral Researcher

Postdoctoral Researcher: Hydraulic Stimulation and Proppant Behaviour in Crystalline Rock

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Chair of Engineering Geology and the BedrettoLab at ETH Zurich invite applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position within the European research project UPLIFT, focusing on environmentally friendly hydraulic stimulation technologies in crystalline rock formations. Based at ETH Zurich, this role will involve experimental research at the Bedretto Underground Laboratory. Hydraulic stimulation is a crucial technology for enhancing permeability in geothermal reservoirs. While multi-stage stimulation utilizing proppants and chemical additives is widely implemented in the oil and gas industry, its acceptance in Europe continues to be limited due to environmental concerns. Water-only stimulation methods are generally more accepted, yet their efficacy compared to proppant-based techniques—especially in crystalline rock—remains insufficiently understood. The Bedretto Underground Laboratory provides a unique, highly instrumented environment to investigate coupled seismo-hydro-thermo-mechanical processes during hydraulic stimulation. Within the UPLIFT project, controlled laboratory and field-scale experiments will be conducted to evaluate water-only, proppant-based, and chemically assisted stimulation methods. The objective is to develop safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible stimulation strategies for geothermal applications across Europe.

Job Description

• Plan, conduct, and analyze hydraulic stimulation experiments, including proppant in vertical and horizontal boreholes (30-120 m scale), to investigate proppant transport, placement efficiency, and interaction with natural fracture networks.
• Assess the effectiveness of different stimulation strategies and proppant placement techniques under varying geological conditions in relation to permeability enhancement and fracture geometry.
• Collaborate with project partners conducting small-scale laboratory experiments (GFZ), providing joint interpretations and recommendations for the design of full-scale hydraulic stimulation operations (e.g., Litoměřice site and other European contexts).
• Contribute to project deliverables and reporting, publish results in peer-reviewed journals, and present findings at international conferences.
• Work closely with UPLIFT project partners (GFZ, various industry collaborators) and support coordination between experimental, modeling, and field activities.

Profile

• PhD in Engineering Geology, Geophysics, Geomechanics, Earth Sciences, Physics, Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong background in rock mechanics, hydrogeology, or reservoir engineering.
• Experience with laboratory experiments and/or fieldwork in subsurface environments.
• Willingness to participate in underground field campaigns.
• Skills in numerical modeling (e.g., fracture mechanics, fluid flow).
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar).
• Experience with seismic or fiber-optic sensing data is an advantage.
• Able to work independently and lead research tasks in a collaborative environment.
• Excellent communication skills in English.

Workplace

The postdoctoral researcher will be based at the Chair of Engineering Geology at ETH Zurich and will work closely with the BedrettoLab Team and the Swiss Seismological Service. This position fosters collaboration within a multidisciplinary consortium of academic and industrial partners throughout Europe, providing opportunities for close interaction with experts in geophysics, geomechanics, and geothermal energy.

We Offer

• A fully funded postdoctoral position (initially 2 years, with potential for extension).
• Employment in accordance with ETH Zurich regulations.
• Access to unique underground research infrastructure at BedrettoLab.
• A dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international research environment with strong ties to both academia and industry.
• Opportunities to lead publications and cultivate an independent research profile.
• Participation in international collaborations within a major European project.

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, groundbreaking fundamental research, and our ability to translate new knowledge into societal benefits. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, ETH Zurich fosters independent thinking and provides a stimulating environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we forge connections worldwide, collaboratively developing solutions for today's and tomorrow's global challenges.

Curious? So are we.

Preferred start date: August 2026

We encourage you to apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Further information about BedrettoLab can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Valentin Gischig (valentin.gischig@eaps.ethz.ch) (no applications).

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture. We prioritize equality of opportunity, celebrate diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment that upholds the rights and dignity of all staff and students. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn about our commitment to a fair environment that empowers everyone to grow and thrive. Sustainability is core to our mission—we are continually working toward a climate-neutral future.