Postdoctoral Researcher - Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing​/Seismic Modeling, Hybrid

Position Information

This postdoctoral position is temporary for up to one year, which may be renewed at Sandia's discretion up to five additional years. The PhD must have been conferred within five years prior to employment.

Individuals in postdoctoral positions may bid on regular Sandia positions as internal candidates, and in some cases may be converted to regular career positions during their term if warranted by ongoing operational needs, continuing availability of funds, and satisfactory job performance.

We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Researcher (job title: Postdoctoral Appointee) to join our team in advancing Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing (DFOS) technologies, with a specific focus on Distributed Strain Sensing (DSS). The ideal candidate will have significant background seismic knowledge related to building 3D geophysical models, running, and analyzing seismic simulations. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge research in stress characterization and explosion monitoring, leveraging innovative fiber optic sensing methodologies and novel source and earth characterization techniques.

On any given day you may be required to:

• Develop and implement analysis methodology using DSS data collected across short-length fiber optic cables
• Analyze and interpret in-situ stress conditions using DSS data collected before and after key experiments
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate DSS findings into broader geophysical and geological contexts
• Build and design 3D geophysical models; run and analyze seismic simulations for use in novel seismic source and earth characterization algorithms
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences

The selected applicant can work a combination of onsite and offsite work. The selected applicant must live within a reasonable distance for commuting to the assigned work location when necessary. This position is located in Albuquerque, NM, and the annual salary for this position is $98,500.

• PhD in geophysics, seismology, or other relevant field
• Experience with scientific programming (such as Python, MATLAB, or equivalent)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, as evidenced by publication(s) in peer-reviewed journals and/or presentation(s) at scientific conferences
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance

• Experience with Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) or other DFOS technologies
• Background in stress characterization techniques
• Excellent collaborative skills and ability to work in interdisciplinary teams
• Experience with fiber optic sensing technologies
• Demonstrated expertise in signal processing and data analysis
• Familiarity and experience with geophysical modeling

The Geophysics department performs research and development in support of Sandia's mission as a national security laboratory. This support includes climate and energy systems, nuclear explosion monitoring and nonproliferation, global and national security, and nuclear weapons. The department has a broad range of expertise in field deployments, computational modeling, seismic and electromagnetic subsurface characterization, atmospheric and infrasound modeling, sensor and system-level calibration and testing, and the processing, analysis, and interpretation of geophysical data.

The department serves as a leading resource for geophysics expertise, and our technical work spans the spectrum from theoretical to applied.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.