PhD Position in Reflection Seismology Carbon Capture and Sequestration

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.

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.

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 geysicists 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.

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 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.

In 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. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate‑neutral future.

ETH 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. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.