100%, fixed-term

The Institute of Geophysics at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences of ETH Zurich has three open positions for full-time (100%) PhD candidates in earthquake seismology and hydromechanics. This is the advertisement for PhD #2, which focusses on the hydromechanics of complex fault zones.

Project background

The Bedretto Underground Laboratory for Geosciences and Geoenergies (" BedrettoLab ") is a unique research facility of ETH Zurich that allows studying earthquake physics, hydromechanics and deep geothermal energy under in-situ conditions. In the context of a global flagship project in earthquake seismology - the Fault Activation and Earthquake Rupture ( FEAR ) project - we are working to induce and study earthquakes with magnitudes of ~1.0 on a natural Alpine fault zone. The BedrettoLab provides direct access to the target fault zone at a depth of ~1km, such that we can place monitoring equipment directly on and around the fault zone. Because of this direct access, we can potentially observe, model and understand earthquake dynamic and hydromechanic processes in exceptional detail.

The target fault zone has been extensively characterised with a wide range of geophysical and geological methods. The detailed knowledge of in-situ fault zone properties allows us to study the intricate relations between these properties and fault zone behaviour, in terms of seismicity, hydromechanics, and earthquake dynamics. In this context, we are looking for three highly motivated candidates to embark on a PhD on the inter-connected topics of i) Seismicity of a complex fault zone (PhD #1); ii) Hydromechanics of a complex fault zone (PhD #2); and iii) Rupture dynamics of a complex fault zone (PhD #3). This is the description for PhD #2. You will find an equivalent advertisement for the other two positions on the same platform.

The 3 successful PhD candidates will join the Bedretto Team, a large, international team of scientists, who together strive to advance our understanding of fault zone processes and earthquake physics. The PhD programs will focus on data from the major upcoming experiments of the FEAR project, planned between November 2024 and December 2026.

Job description

The project of PhD #2 focusses on the hydromechanical phenomena that are key drivers for induced seismicity. While the pressure field leading to induced earthquakes is often represented with simplified flow geometries, actual flow fields in complex faults may be strongly heterogeneous and often channelized. The poroelastic field produced by these flow and pressure patterns must be interpreted by considering their full complexity. Only then can induced seismicity patterns (PhD#1) and rupture dynamics models (PhD#3) be embedded in a hydromechanical understanding of a complex fracture zone.

This PhD project will expand on the geological, and hydrological characterization of the target fault zone of FEAR to understand the flow dimensionality as well as heterogeneity of the flow field based on tests at different pressure levels and depths of investigation from the test boreholes. A conceptual heterogeneous hydrogeological model is built and linked to poroelastic signals recorded on strain and pressure sensors as well as at special probes dedicated to inferring 3D dislocation along the reactivated fracture system. Finally, conceptual models and observations will be supported by numerical models that allow representing the full hydromechanical responses to fluid injections. The hydromechanical understanding thus acquired is strongly linked to the induced seismicity characteristics inferred by the PhD #1 in two ways; hydromechanical models help understanding induced seismicity patterns, while these patterns in turn help building the heterogeneous hydromechanical models. Similarly, the hydromechanical models are also related to the rupture dynamics models of PhD #3. Thus, the research of all three PhDs together not only improve our understanding of earthquake physics and earthquake hazard, but also helps the safe development of geoenergy resources.

Profile

We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious young scientist with a knack for quantitative problem solving, coding, and for working with large data sets. Additionally, technical skills and willingness to independently acquire data from hydrological field tests is important. The position requires a Masters’ degree in Earth Sciences, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering or a related discipline. You should have an interest in both field work as well as data processing, analysis and modelling skills in common scientific languages such as Python or Matlab. Importantly, working in an underground laboratory means working in a team. The position requires excellent teamwork abilities and communication skills, including good spoken and written English skills. You will be expected to develop and implement an independent research agenda, to publish papers in high-level peer reviewed journals, participate in international conferences, and to perform basic teaching assistant duties.

Workplace

We offer

This project is embedded in an exciting research environment, with a large, diverse and interdisciplinary research team. ETH Zurich offers one of the best earth science and geophysics programs worldwide, and has generally excellent resources in terms of mentoring and infrastructure. The city of Zurich is widely known for its high standard of living, close proximity to the Swiss Alps and central location within western Europe. The salary and general working conditions are internationally highly competitive and according to ETH standards. The working language is English. Please check out the AVETH survival guide to find more information on a doctorate at ETH Zurich.

We value diversity

Curious? So are we.

The application window is now open and will last until 20 January 2025. The position is available with a flexible start date, as soon as possible, starting from March 2025. We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents prepared in English (please make sure your last name is on all documents, and in all file names):

• A Motivation and Research Interest Statement (max. 3 pages)
• A full CV, including references
• An academic transcript / list of courses completed, including grades (please upload a single PDF)
• The names and contact details of 2 referees who may be consulted at an advanced stage in the selection process

If you are interested in more than one of the 3 PhDs, please express your second priority and motivation in the Motivation and Research Interest Statement.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Valentin Gischig or PD Antonio Pio Rinaldi by E-Mail (no applications): valentin.gischig@ eaps.ethz.ch / antoniopio.rinaldi@ sed.ethz.ch

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.