Postdoctoral Researcher in Production-Induced Seismicity in Fractured Reservoirs / Postdoctoral Researcheress in Production-Induced Seismicity in Fractured Reservoirs

Postdoc Position: Production-Induced Seismicity in Fractured Reservoirs

100%, Zurich, Fixed-Term

The Swiss Seismological Service (SED) and the BedrettoLab at ETH Zurich invite applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position within a two-year research project focusing on poroelastic effects and induced seismicity in geothermal systems. This role emphasizes production-induced seismicity in fractured reservoirs and combines field experiments, data analysis, and numerical modeling.

Project Background

Geothermal energy projects can induce seismicity during both fluid injection and fluid production due to complex hydromechanical processes in fractured rock. Developing simple and standardized modeling approaches to assess production-induced seismicity would benefit from in-situ observations to identify relevant or missing hydromechanical processes and calibrate models accordingly. This project leverages the unique infrastructure of the Bedretto Underground Laboratory, where dense multiparametric monitoring networks provide unprecedented observations of pressure, deformation, and seismicity. The aim is to validate modeling approaches and practical workflows for assessing seismic hazard related to fluid production in Swiss geothermal projects (e.g., in Vaud and Geneva).

Job Description

• Analyze high-resolution pressure, deformation, and seismic datasets from past and new production experiments to identify governing hydromechanical processes.
• Develop and apply coupled hydromechanical models (continuum and discontinuum) to reproduce observed behavior and quantify poroelastic effects in fractured reservoirs.
• Develop and apply earthquake source physics models to understand the processes underlying induced seismicity.
• Plan and conduct controlled production experiments at the BedrettoLab to test hypotheses and validate models.
• Translate modeling results into simplified and scalable workflows for assessing production-induced seismicity in geothermal projects.
• Apply developed methods to realistic geothermal scenarios (e.g., Swiss hydrothermal systems) and contribute to best-practice guidelines.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals, present at conferences, and collaborate with academic, governmental, and industry stakeholders.

Profile

• PhD in Geophysics, Geomechanics, Earth Sciences, Physics, Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong background in hydromechanics, reservoir modeling, induced seismicity, and earthquake source physics.
• Experience with numerical modeling tools (e.g., MOOSE, PorePy, or similar).
• Programming skills (Python, MATLAB, or similar).
• Experience with field data and/or underground experiments is advantageous.
• Ability to work independently and lead research activities.
• Strong analytical and communication skills in English (German or French is a plus).

Workplace

The position is jointly hosted by the Swiss Seismological Service (SED) at ETH Zurich, in close collaboration with the BedrettoLab and the Chair of Engineering Geology. The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with experts in hydromechanics, induced seismicity, geothermal energy, and earthquake source physics, and will interact with ongoing national and international projects.

We Offer

• A fully funded postdoctoral position (initially 2 years, with possible extension).
• Employment according to ETH Zurich regulations.
• Access to the Bedretto Underground Laboratory, a world-leading research infrastructure.
• A highly interdisciplinary environment bridging geophysics, geomechanics, energy research, and earthquake physics.
• Opportunities to lead publications and develop an independent research profile.
• Close collaboration with ETH Zurich, the Swiss Seismological Service, and external stakeholders such as the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, Canton de Genève, and Canton de Vaud.

Supervision and Environment

The position is jointly hosted by the Swiss Seismological Service (SED) at ETH Zurich, in close collaboration with the BedrettoLab and the Chair of Engineering Geology. The successful candidate will work with experts in various fields and contribute to ongoing national and international projects.

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 that respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn more about our commitment to fostering a fair and open environment. Sustainability is a core value for us, as we consistently work towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

Preferred start date: July 2026

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. 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 excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society, the university is home to over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, fostering an environment that promotes independent thinking and excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections globally, we work together to develop solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.