Postdoctoral / Research Fellow

The Australian National University; Canberra; On-site; AUD 92,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

The Australian National University invites applications for a Postdoctoral/Research Fellow in observational seismology. The successful candidate will join the Research School of Earth Sciences to study upper mantle structure beneath the WA-Array using passive seismic data and advanced receiver function techniques.

We seek an early career researcher with a PhD in observational seismology or related field, capable of handling large datasets and contributing to innovative research in a

Qualifications

• PhD (or nearing completion) in observational seismology or related field.
• Experience in processing passive seismic data.
• Programming skills in Python or MATLAB for data analysis.
• Experience with large seismic datasets and continental-scale arrays.
• Ability to articulate and prosecute innovative research.

Responsibilities

• Conduct passive-seismic imaging studies of upper mantle beneath WA-Array.
• Apply anisotropic receiver functions and S-wave receiver functions.
• Collaborate with the Solid Earth Geophysics team.
• Publish results and contribute to research outputs.

Skills

Observational seismology

Data processing

Python

MATLAB

Large datasets

Education

PhD in observational seismology or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Classification: Academic Level A/B
Salary package: $91,546 - $141,317 per annum plus 17% superannuation
Term: Full-time, Continuing (Contingent Funded).
Position Description and Selection Criteria, please visit the official ANU Jobs website to download the document: http://jobs.anu.edu.au/cw/en/job/563930?lApplicationSubSourceID=

This position is continuing (contingent funded). The funding that supports this project has an expected end date of 30 June 2030.

The Position

Applications are sought for a Postdoctoral/Research Fellow in observational seismology. The successful applicant will join a vibrant and collaborative environment in Solid Earth Geophysics with world‑class expertise in seismology, geodynamics, mathematical geophysics, and rock/mineral physics. The role will focus on passive‑seismic imaging of upper mantle structure beneath the WA‑Array, a continental scale array that aims cover the entirety of Western Australia at 40km station spacing over the coming decade. The goals of the project are to apply (i) anisotropic receiver functions, and (ii) S‑wave Receiver Functions to study upper mantle discontinuities such as the Lithosphere‑Asthenosphere Boundary. Candidates with relevant experience in observational seismology are encouraged to apply.

The Person

We are looking for an early career researcher with a PhD (or awarding of a PhD within six months of appointment) in the field of observational seismology (or a related area), and that has the ability to articulate and prosecute innovate research. Evidence of experience that is relevant to some or all of the following areas would be advantageous:

• Requesting, processing, and analysing passive‑seismic data
• Programming skills (such as with Python or MATLAB) for data computation and visualisation
• Methods for imaging or probing the Earth’s upper mantle, in particular using receiver functions
• Prior experience of working with large datasets (e.g. from continental-scale arrays)

The School

The Postdoctoral/Research Fellow will be based at the Research School of Earth Sciences (RSES). RSES is Australia’s leading academic research institution for Earth and Marine Sciences, and ranked 20th in the world for Geophysics, as well as Earth and Marine Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026). To find out more about the RSES community, check out our Instagram.

We have a reputation for international leadership and innovation, focused on developing new methods, whether experimental, analytical or computational. Our research spans the range from solid earth evolution to climate processes, and from 21st century resources to climate change impact.

We operate iconic and state‑of‑the art instrumentation supported by highly trained professional staff, offering an unrivalled world‑class research environment.

Our cutting‑edge research provides an unparalleled environment for high‑quality research training of our graduate students. Our people and facilities are also the foundation for our vision to deliver world‑class research‑led undergraduate teaching in the Earth Sciences. We are committed to offering a nurturing environment for the School’s early career researchers. Our culture is one of inclusivity and respect and we encourage everyone to embrace these values as expressed in our culture statement.

The College

The ANU College of Science and Medicine encompasses the following disciplines: Astronomy and Astrophysics, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics, Medicine and Psychology, and Medical Research. It is also home to various cross‑disciplinary and specialist institutes and centres. Staff and students within the ANU College of Science and Medicine conduct research and deliver research‑led education programs spanning the entire breadth of the sciences, supported by extensive international networks and world‑class facilities.

For further information please contact, Dr Caroline Eakin, E: [e-mail].

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to people of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, click here. For enquiries about the application process, or if you require reasonable adjustment to apply for this role, please contact the hiring manager on the above listed details.

Please note: The preferred candidate will be required to complete mandatory pre‑employment declarations and background checks relevant to the role they have applied for, in accordance with the Background Checking Procedure and the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence.

Closing date: Sunday, 15 November, 11:55PM (Canberra Time)