Postdoctoral / Research Fellow in Seismology and Mathematical Geophysics

Join an observational seismology project at ANU focusing on passive-seismic imaging of the upper mantle beneath Western Australia.

Best for:Best for early-career researchers with a PhD in observational seismology and strong Python or MATLAB programming skills.

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY (ANU) · Canberra, Australia · R2 · Recognised researcher

More professors at AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY (ANU)

Observational SeismologyUpper Mantle StructureReceiver FunctionsSolid Earth GeophysicsPassive-Seismic Imaging

This is a postdoc position — not a PhD studentship.

Deadline

Nov 15, 2026

33 days

Funding

Salaried

AUD 91.5k–AUD 141.3k/yr

Start date

flexible

Full-time

Location

Canberra

Australia

Overview

The Australian National University is seeking a Postdoctoral or Research Fellow to join the Research School of Earth Sciences in solid earth geophysics. The successful candidate will conduct observational seismology research, focusing on passive-seismic imaging of upper mantle structure beneath the continental-scale WA-Array project. Responsibilities include applying anisotropic and S-wave receiver functions to study upper mantle discontinuities like the Lithosphere-Asthenosphere Boundary. The appointee will work within a collaborative, world-class research environment and contribute to innovative data analysis. Applicants should hold or be close to completing a PhD in observational seismology or a closely related discipline.

SeismologyGeophysicsPostdoctoralWA-ArrayReceiver FunctionsUpper MantlePythonMATLAB

What you'll do

Request, process, and analyze passive-seismic data from continental-scale arrays
Apply anisotropic receiver functions and S-wave receiver functions to study upper mantle discontinuities
Investigate structural features such as the Lithosphere-Asthenosphere Boundary beneath Western Australia
Develop and utilize computer scripts and programs for data computation and visualization
Articulate and execute innovative research within the field of observational seismology and mathematical geophysics

Requirements

Degree required: PhD in observational seismology or a related area (or awarding of a PhD within six months of appointment)

Language: English

Instruction: English

Required skills

Background in observational seismology or closely related discipline
Ability to articulate and prosecute innovative research
Experience requesting, processing, and analyzing passive-seismic data
Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or MATLAB for data computation and visualization

Nice to have

Experience with methods for imaging or probing the Earth's upper mantle using receiver functionsPrior experience working with large datasets from continental-scale seismic arrays

Eligibility

Early career researcher holding a PhD or within six months of PhD award upon appointment

Funding & terms

Type

Salaried

Amount

AUD 91.5k–AUD 141.3k/yr

Duration

Continuing (Contingent Funded) with expected project end date of 30 June 2030

Programme

Australian National University

How to apply

Deadline: 2026-11-15

Prepare a summary addressing your suitability against the selection criteria in a maximum of two pages, along with an updated curriculum vitae containing details for at least three referees. Submit your complete application package online through the institution's application portal by the closing date.

Documents required