At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team to analyse seismic data and contribute to groundbreaking research in earthquake seismology.
- Company: University of Southampton, a top global institution in Earth and Marine Sciences.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, career development, mentoring, and access to health and fitness facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in understanding seismicity while working with leading scientists in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and experience with seismic datasets and research communication.
- Other info: Flexible start date with excellent opportunities for career growth and networking.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We seek a seismologist to fill a Postdoctoral research position as part of a new NERC‐funded project investigating seismicity, fluid processes and structure in active rift zones.
About You
- Hold or be in the final stages of a PhD in a subject relevant to the project.
- Experience handling large passive seismic datasets and processing and analysing seismicity data.
- Experience communicating research results through presentations at scientific conferences and publication in peer‐reviewed journals.
- Ideal: experience in seismological fieldwork and competence in crustal seismic imaging from local or teleseismic data.
- Desirable: competence in interpreting seismicity results with tectonic and structural geology information.
The Role
The postdoctoral researcher will join a team of experienced UK and Greek scientists on the project. The researcher will combine seismicity data collected by a new onshore‐offshore temporary seismic network with data from existing permanent seismic networks in Greece. Data processing will include implementation of automated detection of seismicity and subsequent derivation of a high‐quality seismicity catalogue. Additional analysis will include earthquake relocation, focal mechanism determination/moment tensor inversion, and waveform frequency content analysis. The role may include seismic imaging of crustal structure using techniques such as local earthquake tomography, ambient noise tomography and teleseismic receiver functions. The researcher will also contribute to the management and implementation of the seismic network in the field. We anticipate a start date for the position of June 1, 2026, with some flexibility on exact start time.
What We Can Offer You
You will be part of a world‐class research environment within the Geology and Geophysics Research group in the School of Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton. The group is one of the largest in the UK working on projects in active tectonics and geophysics. The School of Ocean and Earth Science is in the global top 40 of Earth and Marine Sciences (QS World University Rankings 2025) and offers a rich community of Earth and marine scientists based at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton – a unique location with outstanding facilities.
The University provides access to mentoring, career development and networking opportunities. As a founding signatory of the Athena SWAN charter and holder of an institutional silver award, we are committed to improving equality. We aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and we proactively foster a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work, as well as providing additional benefits, such as a generous holiday allowance and additional university closure days. We will support your long‐term future, providing access to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), subsidised health and fitness facilities and a range of discounts.
For additional information, please email Professor Lisa McNeill, lcmn@soton.ac.uk.
Research Fellow in Geophysics (Earthquake Seismology) in Southampton employer: University of Southampton
Contact Detail:
University of Southampton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in Geophysics (Earthquake Seismology) in Southampton
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with fellow researchers and professionals in your field. Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meet-ups to make those valuable connections. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your experiences with seismic data and any cool projects you've worked on. Make sure they see how your skills align perfectly with what they need.
✨Follow Up
After any interviews or networking events, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows that you're genuinely interested in the position. Plus, it’s just good manners!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only streamlines the process but also gives you a better chance of being noticed by the hiring team. We’re rooting for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in Geophysics (Earthquake Seismology) in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in seismology and data analysis. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your PhD work and any fieldwork you've done!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about earthquake seismology and how you can contribute to our project. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be presenting research results, it's important to demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly. Mention any conferences you've presented at or papers you've published to show us you can share your findings effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Southampton
✨Know Your Seismology Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of seismicity, fluid processes, and crustal imaging techniques. Be ready to discuss your experience with large passive seismic datasets and how you've processed and analysed seismicity data in the past.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Prepare to talk about your previous presentations at scientific conferences and any publications you've contributed to. Highlight how you can effectively communicate complex research results, as this is crucial for collaboration within the team.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Project
Dive into the specifics of the NERC-funded project and understand its goals. Being able to discuss how your skills align with the project's objectives will show that you're genuinely interested and invested in the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the seismic network management and fieldwork aspects of the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also demonstrates your understanding of the practical challenges involved in the research.