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Associate Seismologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ARA

Senior Research Seismologist

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking an accomplished Senior Research Seismologist to join the Applied Algorithms, Modeling, and Assessment (AMA) Division. In this role, you will work ...

Ara

$120 - $160/hr

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking an accomplished Senior Research Seismologist to join the Applied Algorithms, Modeling, and Assessment (AMA) Division. In this role, you will work ...

Ara

Senior Research Seismologist

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking an accomplished Senior Research Seismologist to join the Applied Algorithms, Modeling, and Assessment (AMA) Division. In this role, you will work ...

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How much do associate seismologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate seismologist in the United States is $19.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How hard is it to become an associate seismologist?

Becoming an associate seismologist typically requires a bachelor's degree in geophysics, geology, or a related field, with many positions preferring or requiring a master's degree or higher. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in seismic data analysis, and obtaining relevant certifications can also be important steps in advancing to this role.

What are 5 potential associate seismology jobs?

Potential associate seismology jobs include roles such as seismic analyst, earthquake data analyst, geophysical technician, seismic monitoring technician, and research assistant in seismology. These positions often require skills in data analysis, use of seismic software, and understanding of geophysical principles. They are typically found in research institutions, government agencies, and energy companies involved in earthquake risk assessment and resource exploration.

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Infographic showing various Associate Seismologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,327 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Senior Research Seismologist

ARA

Arlington, VA • On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking an accomplished Senior Research Seismologist to join the Applied Algorithms, Modeling, and Assessment (AMA) Division. In this role, you will work within the Geophysical Models, Signatures, and Systems (GEMSS) Group, a team that conducts cutting-edge research in support of U.S. nuclear monitoring missions and other critical national security objectives.
We are looking for a candidate with a strong record of leading advanced seismic research and a deep understanding of computational geophysics, sophisticated signal analysis, and numerical modeling. The ideal individual is motivated by applying geophysics to detect, locate, characterize, and discriminate underground nuclear explosions and other events of national security interest. You will collaborate with a diverse set of scientists and engineers while contributing both hands-on technical excellence and leadership in developing innovative solutions.
Salary Range: $120K-$160K
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and execute advanced scientific research addressing complex geophysical challenges relevant to nuclear test monitoring and other defense missions.
  • Acquire, process, and analyze seismic data to detect, locate, and discriminate natural and anthropogenic signals.
  • Perform sophisticated time-series and spectral-domain analyses using advanced statistical and computational approaches.
  • Design research studies and develop innovative algorithms, tools, and workflows for data processing, signal detection, and event characterization.
  • Conduct numerical modeling and simulation of seismic wavefields (e.g., finite/spectral element methods, FK analysis, 3D ray tracing).
  • Produce high-quality technical reports, publications, proposals, and presentations for scientific, programmatic, and sponsor audiences.
  • Stay current on emerging techniques, technologies, and scientific advances in geophysics, monitoring systems, and signal analysis.
  • Engage directly with clients to understand technical requirements and deliver effective solutions, including through proposal development.

Required Qualifications
  • B.S. in Geophysics/Seismology, or a closely related field, and at least 8-10 years of direct experience in earthquake or explosion seismology.
  • Proven experience leading basic and applied research and development (R&D) projects to solve complex scientific problems in seismology funded by U.S. Government agencies, commercial firms, or other organizations.
  • Recognized as an emerging expert in nuclear monitoring seismology with the ability to perform advanced data analyses independently.
  • Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and generate compelling visualizations that support scientific conclusions.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with modern numerical modeling tools and the pre-/post-processing of seismic floating-point data (e.g., Python and scientific libraries, MATLAB, Linux shell scripting, C/C++/Fortran/Julia or other high-performance computing languages).
  • Experience working with Linux-based high-performance computing systems.
  • Highly self-motivated with a demonstrated ability to work independently on complex, high-impact projects.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively and present complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • U.S. Citizenship Required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. national security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • M.S. in Geophysics/Seismology, or a closely related field, and at least 6-8 years of direct experience in earthquake or explosion seismology.
  • Ph.D. in Geophysics/Seismology, or a closely related field, and at least 3-5 years of direct experience in earthquake or explosion seismology.
  • Field experience with geophysical instrumentation and data acquisition, including DAS.
  • Experience mentoring junior scientists.

About Us:
Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company known for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. We were founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979 and currently employ over 2,240 staff members in ARA offices throughout the U.S. and Canada. We provide our clients with broad and expanding technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software, and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.
ARA also takes pride in its culture, which values innovation & experimentation. At ARA, employees are our greatest assets, and we give our employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take active roles as owners. The motto, "Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit" sums up the ARA experience. The company recognizes that employee-ownership spurs greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and client satisfaction levels.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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