PhD Position in Reflection Seismology for Carbon Capture and Sequestration
The Institute of Geophysics at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, ETH Zürich, is offering a fully funded 4-year PhD position in reflection seismology for Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS). This opportunity is hosted by the Mathematical Geophysics group, which specializes in advanced imaging techniques using geophysical data, mathematical methods for data processing, and the physics of wave propagation. The group is renowned for developing innovative acquisition and processing strategies to study the Earth’s shallow subsurface.
Switzerland’s commitment to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 places CCS technologies at the forefront of national climate strategy, particularly for sectors with hard-to-abate emissions. This PhD project is part of a pioneering pilot study involving CO₂ injection into a saline aquifer in Northern Switzerland, leveraging an existing borehole to test subsurface storage feasibility, safety, and societal acceptance. The project utilizes time-lapse seismic-reflection imaging as the primary tool to monitor the CO₂ plume and its migration, with a high-resolution, high-density 3D seismic survey acquired in summer 2025 serving as the baseline for future monitoring.
As a PhD student, you will process and image newly acquired and vintage 3D seismic datasets to characterize geological structures and potential reservoirs. You will integrate passive seismic recordings and borehole seismic data, including vertical seismic profiling (VSP), into your workflow. The role involves developing seismic monitoring strategies for CO₂ injection, designing and analyzing surface-based and borehole distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) measurements, and processing time-lapse seismic data to track CO₂ plume migration. Collaboration within an interdisciplinary team of geophysicists and reservoir engineers is central, and you will be expected to present and publish your findings at international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.
Supervision is provided by Dr. Cédric Schmelzbach, Dr. Dirk-Jan van Manen, and Prof. Johan Robertsson, all experts in geophysics and seismic imaging. The working environment at ETH Zürich is dynamic and diverse, with access to excellent computational facilities and state-of-the-art geophysical equipment. The Earth and Planetary Sciences department offers numerous opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.
Eligibility requires a Master’s degree in geophysics, physics, applied mathematics, or a closely related field, with a strong background in seismic methods, signal processing, and/or wave physics. Experience or interest in seismic data processing, imaging, and inversion is preferred, along with good programming skills (Python, MATLAB) and proficiency in English. The ability to work independently and collaboratively is essential. Basic German is advantageous but not mandatory.
ETH Zürich values diversity, sustainability, and equality of opportunity, fostering an inclusive culture and a climate-neutral future. Applications must be submitted online via the ETH Zurich application portal, including a CV, motivation letter, summary of your Master’s thesis, degree certificates and transcripts, and contact information for 2-3 referees. The evaluation of applicants begins on 15 January 2026 and continues until the position is filled. Early applications are encouraged.
For further information, contact Dr. Cédric Schmelzbach at [email protected] (no applications via email). For application details, visit the official job posting:
ETH Zurich Job Portal
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