Research Fellow in Geophysics; Earthquake Seismology

Research Fellow in Geophysics (Earthquake Seismology)

We seek a seismologist to fill a Postdoctoral research position as part of a new NERC‑funded project investigating seismicity, fluid processes and structure in active rift zones.

• Hold or be in the final stages of a PhD in a subject relevant to the project.
• Experience handling large passive seismic datasets and processing and analysing seismicity data.
• Experience communicating research results through presentations at scientific conferences and publication in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Ideal: experience in seismological fieldwork and competence in crustal seismic imaging from local or teleseismic data.
• Desirable: competence in interpreting seismicity results with tectonic and structural geology information.

The postdoctoral researcher will join a team of experienced UK and Greek scientists on the project. The researcher will combine seismicity data collected by a new onshore‑offshore temporary seismic network with data from existing permanent seismic networks in Greece. Data processing will include implementation of automated detection of seismicity and subsequent derivation of a high‑quality seismicity catalogue. Additional analysis will include earthquake relocation, focal mechanism determination/moment tensor inversion, and waveform frequency content analysis.

The role may include seismic imaging of crustal structure using techniques such as local earthquake tomography, ambient noise tomography and teleseismic receiver functions. The researcher will also contribute to the management and implementation of the seismic network in the field. We anticipate a start date for the position of June 1, 2026, with some flexibility on exact start time.

You will be part of a world‑class research environment within the Geology and Geophysics Research group in the School of Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton. The group is one of the largest in the UK working on projects in active tectonics and geophysics. The School of Ocean and Earth Science is in the global top 40 of Earth and Marine Sciences (QS World University Rankings 2025) and offers a rich community of Earth and marine scientists based at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton – a unique location with outstanding facilities.

The University provides access to mentoring, career development and networking opportunities. As a founding signatory of the Athena SWAN charter and holder of an institutional silver award, we are committed to improving equality. We aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and we proactively foster a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work, as well as providing additional benefits, such as a generous holiday allowance and additional university closure days.

We will support your long‑term future, providing access to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), subsidised health and fitness facilities and a range of discounts.

For additional information, please email Professor Lisa McNeill,

• Internship

• Full‑time

• Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

• Higher Education