PhD Position
vor 19 Stunden
The Institute of Geophysics at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences of ETH Zurich has three open positions for full-time (100%) PhD students in earthquake seismology. This is the advertisement for PhD #3, which focuses on the rupture dynamics of complex fault zones.
Project backgroundThe Bedretto Underground Laboratory for Geosciences and Geoenergies ("BedrettoLab") is a unique research facility of ETH Zurich that allows studying earthquake physics, hydromechanics and deep geothermal energy under in-situ conditions. In the context of a global flagship project in earthquake seismology - the Fault Activation and Earthquake Rupture (FEAR) project - we are working to induce and study earthquakes with magnitudes of ~1.0 on a natural Alpine fault zone. The BedrettoLab provides direct access to the target fault zone at a depth of ~1km, such that we can place monitoring equipment directly on and around the fault zone. Because of this direct access, we can potentially observe, model and understand earthquake dynamic and hydromechanic processes in exceptional detail.
The target fault zone has been extensively characterised with a wide range of geophysical and geological methods. The detailed knowledge of in-situ fault zone properties allows us to study the intricate relations between these properties and fault zone behaviour, in terms of seismicity, hydromechanics, and earthquake dynamics. In this context, we are looking for three highly motivated candidates to embark on a PhD on the inter-connected topics of i) Seismicity of a complex fault zone (PhD#1); ii) Hydromechanics of a complex fault zone (PhD #2); and iii) Rupture dynamics of a complex fault zone (PhD #3). This is the description for PhD #3.
The 3 successful PhD candidates will join the Bedretto Team, a large, international team of scientists, who together strive to advance our understanding of fault zone processes and earthquake physics. The PhD programs will focus on data from the major upcoming experiments of the FEAR project, planned between November 2024 and December 2026.
Job descriptionThis PhD project (#3) focuses on studying dynamic rupture models on finite faults in the context of induced seismicity—seismic events primarily triggered by variations in normal stress due to changes in pore pressure. Understanding these processes is crucial for advancing earthquake physics and fault zone processes.
The fault zone targeted by the FEAR project is exceptionally well constrained through a variety of datasets, including active seismic campaigns, borehole analyses, and seismicity catalogues. Additionally, the zone is equipped with an array of seismic, strain, and pressure sensors, providing high-resolution data. Effective dynamic modeling of induced seismicity relies on understanding fault zone properties, fault geometry, and an integrated hydromechanical model.
This research addresses key questions:
- How do specific stress conditions trigger self-arresting ruptures versus runaway ruptures?
- Can dynamic models predict—and observations confirm—whether ruptures are arrested smoothly with a decelerating front or abruptly due to barriers?
- How do heterogeneities in constitutive law parameters and initial stress conditions interact with varying pore pressure profiles?
- What wavelengths of radiated seismic energy can be resolved at close distances (within meters) from the fault?
- Can we distinguish self-arresting from runaway ruptures based on observed seismic radiation?
- Which parameters, such as fault heterogeneities or surface roughness, dominate high-frequency radiation characteristics, and how effectively can dynamic models reproduce these frequencies?
The successful candidate will primarily focus on dynamic rupture simulations, incorporating complexities in fault plane geometry, dynamic parameters, pore pressure profiles, and initial stress conditions. By leveraging the exceptional datasets from the upcoming FEAR experiments, the candidate will tackle these fundamental questions while contributing to a comprehensive understanding of induced seismicity.
Collaboration will be central to the project. The candidate will work closely with PhD #1, who is reconstructing fault geometries from seismic data, and PhD #2, who is developing hydromechanical models of fault zones to provide initial conditions for dynamic simulations. Together, the research of these PhD projects has the potential to significantly advance our understanding of earthquake physics, improve seismic hazard assessment, and contribute to the safe and sustainable development of deep geothermal energy.
ProfileWe are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious young scientist with a knack for quantitative problem solving, coding, and for working with large data sets. The position requires a Masters' degree in Earth Sciences, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering or a related discipline. You should have an interest in developing outstanding data processing, analysis and modelling skills in common scientific languages such as Python or Matlab. Importantly, working in an underground laboratory means working in a team. The position requires excellent teamwork abilities and communication skills, including good spoken and written English skills. You will be expected to develop and implement an independent research agenda, to publish papers in high-level peer reviewed journals, participate in international conferences, and to perform basic teaching assistant duties.
We offerThis project is embedded in an exciting research environment, with a large, diverse and interdisciplinary research team. ETH Zurich offers one of the best earth science and geophysics programs worldwide, and has generally excellent resources in terms of mentoring and infrastructure. The city of Zurich is widely known for its high standard of living, close proximity to the Swiss Alps and central location within western Europe. The salary and general working conditions are internationally highly competitive and according to ETH standards. The working language is English.
We value diversityIn line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected.
About ETH ZürichETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence.
#J-18808-Ljbffr-
Phd Position in Philosophy
vor 1 Woche
Zürich, Schweiz Universität Zürich Vollzeit**Department of Philosophy** **PhD Position in Philosophy 80 - 100 %**: Start of employment 01.04.2025, note later than May 1, 2025, permanent employment The Institute of Philosophy, Ethics Research Institute at the University of Zurich offers a 4-year fully funded (SNSF) PhD position under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Michael Messerli. **Your...
-
PhD Position in Laser Spectroscopy
vor 18 Stunden
Zürich, Schweiz Lasercraft Technologies Inc VollzeitHome PhD PhD Position in Laser SpectroscopyPhD Position in Laser SpectroscopyETH Zurich is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the Laboratory for Functional Ferroic Materials. The candidate will explore novel manifestations of ferroic order using advanced nonlinear laser spectroscopy techniques, working with class-IV laser systems and other...
-
PhD Position
vor 19 Stunden
Zürich, Schweiz Fachportal Kulturen und Gesellschaften VollzeitPhD Position, Projekt "Causes, Contexts, Consequences: Understanding Immigrant Integration through Citizenship", Soziologie, Universität ZürichProjekt "Causes, Contexts, Consequences: Understanding Immigrant Integration through Citizenship", Soziologisches Institut, Universität ZürichStellenantritt: 15. März 2025Bewerbungsfrist: 23. Dezember...
-
Zürich, Schweiz Maserati of San Diego VollzeitHome PhD PhD Position in Microstructure of Cellulose, Zurich, Switzerland PhD Position in Microstructure of Cellulose: We are excited to offer a fully funded PhD position, focused on an interdisciplinary project that integrates soft matter physics and material science to develop the next generation of architected bacterial cellulose for fundamental...
-
Phd Student Position in Peptide Chemistry
Vor 5 Tagen
Zürich, Schweiz Universität Zürich Vollzeit**Department of Chemistry** **PhD Student Position in Peptide Chemistry 80 %**: Start of employment The employment should ideally start as soon as possible or upon agreement. A PhD Student position is available in the group of Prof. Dr. Karl Gademann, located in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Zurich (Switzerland). Our group combines the...
-
Open Phd Position
vor 1 Woche
Zürich, Schweiz Universität Zürich Vollzeit**Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital** **Open PhD position 100 %**: Start of employment immediate, temporary Acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe neurological condition caused by mechanical trauma that results in severe motor loss (i.e., paralysis), impaired sensation, and autonomic dysfunction. Degenerative cervical...
-
PhD Position in Wearable Sensors, ETH Zurich, Switzerlands
vor 19 Stunden
Zürich, Schweiz Zuhause In Duesseldorf VollzeitPhD Position in Wearable Sensors: Embark on a cutting-edge research journey as a PhD student at ETH Zurich’s Sensing, Interaction & Perception Lab. This fixed-term position focuses on multi-modal signal processing for learning-based input decoding from wearable sensors, including IMUs, eye gaze, microphones, EMG, and PPG. Contribute to the development of...
-
Zürich, Schweiz Universität Zürich Vollzeit**Institute of Evolutionary Medicine** **PhD position in evolutionary anthropology and medicine 80 %**: Start of employment 01.07.2025, temporary **Your responsibilities**: - Propose, develop and conduct a PhD project in the course of four years. Earn a number of course credits and teaching hours PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology. Actively contribute to...
-
PhD Position in Chemical Engineering
vor 2 Monaten
Zürich, Schweiz Polytechnicpositions VollzeitThe two PhD projects investigate policies to speed up the development of supply chains for net zero technologies, like renewable hydrogen. The research will cover national, regional, and global scales and assess policy outcomes such as technology diffusion, job creation, and security of energy supply. The first PhD project will evaluate...
-
PhD position in Organic Chemistry/Radiochemistry
vor 19 Stunden
Zürich, Schweiz Karlstad University VollzeitPhD position in Organic Chemistry/RadiochemistryETH Zürich is well known for its excellent education, ground-breaking fundamental research and for implementing its results directly into practice.PhD position in Organic Chemistry/RadiochemistryThe Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences (CRS) at ETH Zurich develops new innovative radiolabelled...
-
Zürich, Schweiz Universität Zürich Vollzeit**Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine** **PhD Position in Ethics of Voice Assistants in Dementia Care 80 %**: Start of employment 01.03.2025, temporary The institute (IBME) belongs to the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Zurich, and consists of two Chairs; Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine. Since 2009, the IBME has been a...
-
PhD Position
vor 19 Stunden
Zürich, Schweiz Karlstad University VollzeitPhD Position (2 of 3) in Earthquake Seismology and HydromechanicsETH Zürich is well known for its excellent education, ground-breaking fundamental research and for implementing its results directly into practice.PhD Position (2 of 3) in Earthquake Seismology and HydromechanicsThe Institute of Geophysics at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences of...
-
PhD Position
vor 19 Stunden
Zürich, Schweiz Karlstad University VollzeitPhD Position (1 of 3) in Earthquake Seismology and HydromechanicsETH Zürich is well known for its excellent education, ground-breaking fundamental research and for implementing its results directly into practice.The Institute of Geophysics at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences of ETH Zurich has three open positions for full-time (100%) PhD...
-
PhD Position in Depression Detection, Martigny, Switzerland
vor 19 Stunden
Zürich, Schweiz Scholarshipscafe VollzeitThe Idiap Research Institute in Switzerland is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on the development of multimodal, gender- and culture-aware deep learning techniques for analyzing and classifying various depression disorders. This position involves collaboration with international partners and aims to advance AI-based solutions for mental health...
-
PhD position in THz dynamics of quantum materials
vor 19 Stunden
Zürich, Schweiz Karlstad University VollzeitPhD position in THz dynamics of quantum materialsETH Zürich is well known for its excellent education, ground-breaking fundamental research and for implementing its results directly into practice.PhD position in THz dynamics of quantum materialsThe Quantum Material Dynamics group (Prof. Elsa Abreu, qmd.ethz.ch) in the Department of Physics of ETH Zürich...
-
Zürich, Schweiz Karlstad University VollzeitPhD Position: Modelling materials with local lattice instabilitiesETH Zürich is well known for its excellent education, ground-breaking fundamental research and for implementing its results directly into practice.The research group of Prof. Simonov at ETH Zurich is seeking a motivated PhD candidate interested in developing computational approaches for...
-
Zürich, Schweiz Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich VollzeitPhD student position on “Topological materials at the nanoscale”We are seeking an enthusiastic PhD candidate to join our topological materials team at IBM Research – Zurich. The candidate will enroll in the PhD programme of ETH, Switzerland, while doing their PhD work at IBM. This is a fully funded position.The successful candidate will be part of our...
-
PhD Position
vor 19 Stunden
Zürich, Schweiz Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich VollzeitPhD Position (2 of 3) in Earthquake Seismology and HydromechanicsThe Institute of Geophysics at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences of ETH Zurich has three open positions for full-time (100%) PhD students in earthquake seismology and hydromechanics. This is the advertisement for PhD #2, which focuses on the hydromechanics of complex fault...
-
PhD position in cognitive neuroscience for 4 years
vor 19 Stunden
Zürich, Schweiz Universität Zürich VollzeitDepartment of Child and Adolescent PsychiatryPhD position in cognitive neuroscience for 4 years 80 %Start of employment from March 2025, temporaryThe Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry invites applications for a four-year PhD position financed by the SNSF in the structured PhD Program in Psychology.Project details and responsibilitiesHumour is a...
-
PhD Position in Electrical Engineering
vor 2 Monaten
Zürich, Schweiz Polytechnicpositions VollzeitImagine devices that learn and adapt, mimicking the brain – this is the promise of neuromorphic hardware, with applications in robotics, healthcare, and autonomous systems. Ferroelectric hafnia, with its non-volatility, low switching energy, and CMOS-compatibility paves the way for scalable and efficient neuromorphic devices. Project background ETH...
