Postdoc Scholar in Geophysics focused Rock Rheology and Machine Learning

Position Overview

A Postdoctoral Scholar position is available in the Department of Geosciences at The Pennsylvania State University. The role focuses on the development, scaling, and end‑to‑end testing of the Thermodynamics‑Informed Physics Invertible Neural Network (TIP‑INN) framework, a DOE‑funded project aimed at advancing physics‑informed machine learning for complex geodetic and acoustic datasets used in subsurface energy applications.

• Scale and test the TIP‑INN architecture, leading the transition from model development to full end‑to‑end testing, adapting the architecture to handle dynamic, multi‑modal observational datasets and establishing robust validation protocols.
• Operationalize acoustic data workflows by developing and deploying machine learning pipelines for high‑volume acoustic data processing from the lab, isolating source characteristics and optimizing workflows for continuous monitoring.
• Scale from laboratory to field applications, training models on field‑scale measurements (e.g., GPS, InSAR, borehole strainmeters, tidal responses) and using seismo‑acoustic data to provide information about damage and fracture network properties.

• Ph.D. in Geoscience or a closely related field by the appointment start date.
• Experience in physics‑informed machine learning, deep learning frameworks, or related computational modeling preferred.

Employment requires successful completion of background checks in accordance with University policies.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. Postdoctoral benefits are detailed on the Postdoctoral Benefits page.

Penn State is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact .