Institute of Geophysics, Mathematical Geophysics group, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, ETH Zurich

The Mathematical Geophysics group at ETH Zurich investigates a wide 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.

Homepage: http://www.mge.ethz.ch/

The Institute of Geophysics at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences of ETH Zurich invites applications from 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 wide 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 context

Switzerland has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. CCS technologies are a key 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, but its feasibility at a relevant scale remains 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 behaviour and migration. This PhD project forms part of this study that aims to assess the feasibility, safety, and societal acceptance of CO₂ injection into Switzerland's subsurface. Time-lapse seismic-reflection imaging is the primary tool to image the CO₂ plume and its migration through the subsurface. Therefore, 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 interface of reflection seismology, geophysical monitoring, and CCS. Your main tasks will include:

• Processing and imaging the newly acquired high-density 3D seismic dataset and integrating vintage 3D seismic data to image and characterise the geological structures and potential reservoir.
• Integrating extensive passive seismic recordings and borehole seismic data (including vertical seismic profiling, VSP) into the imaging and characterisation 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 your 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 with:

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

We offer

We offer a dynamic working environment with highly qualified scientists, excellent computational facilities, and a large pool of state-of-the-art geophysical equipment. The Institute of Geophysics at ETH Zurich is embedded in a vibrant Earth and Planetary Sciences department offering many opportunities for collaborative projects. For further information, visit our website http://www.mge.ethz.ch/.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• CV
• Motivation letter
• A summary of your Master’s thesis (not to exceed 1 page)
• Copies of degree certificates and transcripts (including current transcript if enrolled in an MSc programme)
• Contact information for 2-3 referees

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

For further information, please contact Dr. Cédric Schmelzbach by email cedric.schmelzbach@eaps.ethz.ch (for questions only; no applications).

Evaluation of applicants will start on 15 January 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Early applications are encouraged.