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Geophysics Postdoc Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Geophysics Postdoc information

What are some common collaborative projects a Geophysics Postdoc might be involved in, and how do they typically work with interdisciplinary teams?

As a Geophysics Postdoc, you will often participate in collaborative projects that involve working closely with experts from geology, engineering, and computer science. These projects may include field data collection, geophysical modeling, and the interpretation of complex datasets for natural resource exploration or environmental studies. Postdocs frequently contribute specialized knowledge in areas like seismic imaging or computational geophysics and are expected to communicate findings clearly to non-specialists. This interdisciplinary teamwork fosters a dynamic environment and provides opportunities to broaden your skill set and professional network.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Geophysics Postdoc, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Geophysics Postdoc, you typically need a Ph.D. in geophysics or a related field, with a strong background in quantitative research and data analysis. Familiarity with scientific programming languages (such as Python or MATLAB), geophysical modeling software, and data visualization tools is crucial. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and collaborative skills help in publishing research and working within multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are vital for advancing scientific understanding and contributing impactful research in the geosciences.

What are Geophysics Postdocs?

Geophysics Postdocs are researchers who have recently earned their PhD in geophysics or a related field and are undertaking further specialized research under the supervision of senior scientists. Their work typically involves studying the physical processes and properties of the Earth, such as seismic activity, magnetic and gravitational fields, or subsurface structures. Postdoctoral positions are usually temporary, lasting from one to three years, and help researchers gain experience, publish scientific papers, and develop expertise before pursuing permanent academic or industry roles.
What are popular job titles related to Geophysics Postdoc jobs in Utah? For Geophysics Postdoc jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Geophysics Postdoc jobs in Utah look for? The top searched job categories for Geophysics Postdoc jobs in Utah are:

Postdoctoral Researcher - Passive Seismic Imaging

Zanskar

Salt Lake City, UT • Hybrid

$85K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher - Passive Seismic Imaging


Location: Salt Lake City, UT (hybrid)
Benefits Eligible: yes
Salary: $85k - $95k
Manager: Seismic Team Lead

Why we exist and why we need you

Geothermal energy is the most abundant renewable energy source in the world. However, historically it's been hard to find and expensive to develop. At Zanskar, we're using advanced technology to find and develop new geothermal resources that make baseload geothermal a cost-effective and vital contributor to a carbon-free energy future. We are revolutionizing the exploration process, setting new industry standards for discovery rates by finding new prospects at an unprecedented scale and working to develop faster and cheaper with scale and reduced risk drilling. 

We're seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Passive Seismic Imaging to help advance how we image the subsurface using earthquakes and ambient noise. Working alongside our exploration and R&D teams, you'll help convert passive seismic signals into actionable items: images of basement depth, and fault geometry, that improve how we characterize prospects.

Outcomes - Problems you'll solve
  • Build velocity models and image basement depth, layering, and fault structure from passive arrays
  • Locate and analyze microseismicity to map active faults, stress regimes, and structural controls
  • Develop, benchmark, and refine passive seismic imaging methods
  • Construct reproducible, well-documented processing pipelines (Python/ObsPy or equivalent) that scale to large datasets
  • Work with the exploration and R&D teams to integrate passive imaging into prospect evaluation
What we're looking for

Required

  • Ph.D. (completed or near completion) in geophysics, seismology, or a closely related field
  • Demonstrated research expertise in passive seismic methods such as ambient noise tomography or microseismic analysis, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications
  • Strong foundation in seismic signal processing and inversion
  • Proficiency in scientific computing and reproducible workflows (e.g., Python, HPC), with version control (e.g., Git/GitHub) a plus
  • Ability to translate research-stage methods into practical, decision-grade tools under real-world data and time constraints
  • Strong cross-disciplinary collaboration skills, able to communicate and integrate effectively with geologists, geophysicists, engineers, and data scientists
Location and Benefits
  • The position is based out of our headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is a hybrid position
  • Benefits include:
  • Paid holidays
  • 18 days PTO + PTO accrual increase based on tenure
  • Medical, dental and vision coverage
  • 401k 
  • Life insurance + Short term & Long term disability
  • Growth opportunities at a company with a direct impact in displacing carbon emissions
Equal Opportunity Employer
 
Zanskar is an equal-opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practice laws. 
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