The University of Naples "Federico II"

The PhD position is hosted by the Department of Earth, Environmental and Resources Sciences (DiSTAR) at the University of Naples Federico II, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe.

DiSTAR is a multidisciplinary research and teaching hub covering geosciences, environmental studies, and natural resource management. The department is deeply engaged in applied and fundamental research on geodynamics, volcanology, seismology, sedimentology, hydrogeology, and geological hazards. Located in the heart of southern Italy, DiSTAR offers direct access to globally significant geological and volcanic sites, including Mount Vesuvius and the Campi Flegrei caldera.

Founded in 1224, the University of Naples Federico II is the oldest public, non-sectarian university in the world. It plays a leading role in higher education and research in Italy and across Europe, with a long-standing tradition in the Earth sciences and strong connections to national and international research institutions.

Homepage: https://www.unina.it/en_GB/home

The Department of Earth, Environmental and Resources Sciences (DiSTAR) at the University of Naples Federico II is offering a fully funded PhD position within the framework of the XLI PhD cycle (2025–2028). The position is funded by the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV), Italy’s leading institution for the study and monitoring of geophysical and volcanic phenomena.

The project focuses on the reprocessing and reinterpretation of legacy seismic reflection data—both 2D and 3D—originally acquired by OGS, ENI-Agip, and other public agencies between the 1970s and 1990s in the offshore and onshore sectors of the Campi Flegrei region. The main goal is to produce enhanced seismic imaging and deliver a revised structural and geological interpretation of the caldera system. Key methodologies include advanced seismic processing such as CDP stack, Common Reflection Surface (CRS) stack, and pre-stack depth migration (PSDM), along with AVO analysis and post-stack acoustic impedance inversion. Where available, seismic data will be integrated with borehole geophysical logs and stratigraphic information.

A distinctive aspect of this position is the unique geographical and scientific setting. The University of Naples Federico II is located only a few kilometers from the Campi Flegrei Caldera, one of the most studied and hazardous active volcanic systems in Europe. This proximity allows for direct interaction with the target area and provides access to a rich array of complementary data and expertise. The research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the geodynamic processes at work in the region and support efforts aimed at improving volcanic hazard assessment.

INGV, the funding institution, plays a central role in the study and monitoring of active volcanic areas across Italy. Its long-standing commitment to the Campi Flegrei region is reflected in continuous data acquisition, risk mitigation programs, and collaborative scientific projects. The successful PhD candidate will benefit from this institutional framework and its multidisciplinary environment.

Please follow the link to apply: https://www.distar.unina.it/en/admission-open-calls-and-research-projects/xli-cycle