Senior Geophysicist

JR United Kingdom; Oxford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading geophysical services firm in Oxford seeks an experienced professional for technical leadership in geophysical surveys. You will manage complex projects, ensure quality data delivery, and mentor junior staff. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience in geophysical investigations, alongside proficiency in various geophysical methods and software. Occasional fieldwork may be required, mostly in the UK.

Qualifications

• At least 7 years of relevant hands-on experience in high-resolution, near-surface geophysical investigations.
• Proven track record of managing complex, large-scale geophysical projects from planning to delivery.
• Significant experience leading teams and overseeing high-value projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and planning of geophysical surveys and oversee application of advanced techniques.
• Ensure data quality and technical integrity throughout fieldwork stages.
• Provide leadership in the processing, interpretation, and reporting of projects.
• Maintain and enhance high standards of quality assurance in projects.
• Oversee projects across various sectors, applying advanced geophysical methodologies.
• Mentor junior staff and provide technical guidance.
• Undertake occasional fieldwork as required, mostly in the UK.

Skills

Leadership and Communication

Strategic Thinking

Education

Postgraduate degree in geophysics or a related field

Tools

Oasis Montaj

GeoGiga

SurfSeis

Res2Dinv

QGIS

Python (for custom data processing)

AutoCAD

ArcGIS

Microstation

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

• Technical Leadership: Lead the design and planning of geophysical surveys, providing input on complex technical solutions at the proposal stage, and refining these during project execution. As a senior member of the team, you will oversee the application of advanced geophysical techniques to meet client needs.
• Fieldwork Oversight: Oversee data quality and ensure technical integrity throughout fieldwork stages, conducting site visits as required. You will ensure field teams are fully supported, while also leading technically demanding fieldwork when necessary.
• Advanced Data Analysis: Provide leadership in the processing, interpretation, and reporting stages of projects, taking full responsibility for complex and high-value projects. You will be expected to review outputs and ensure data-driven insights are delivered clearly to clients and internal teams.
• Quality and Innovation: Maintain and enhance Zetica’s high standards of quality assurance, ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget, while incorporating innovative techniques and solutions where applicable.
• Cross-Sector Expertise: Lead projects across Zetica’s core departments, including transport infrastructure, engineering/geotechnical, geological/environmental geophysical surveys, unexploded ordnance detection, and utility service detection. You will drive excellence in a variety of sectors, applying advanced geophysical methodologies and instrumentation.
• Mentorship and Development: As a senior figure within the business, mentor junior staff and provide technical guidance to colleagues, helping to develop the skills and expertise of the wider team.
• Occasional Fieldwork: While your role will be predominantly office-based, you will be required to undertake occasional fieldwork. This will mostly take place in the UK but may involve some international travel, depending on project requirements.

Requirements

• Academic Qualifications: A postgraduate degree in geophysics or a related field.
• Experience: At least 7 years of relevant hands-on experience in high-resolution, near-surface geophysical investigations, with a proven track record of managing complex, large-scale geophysical projects from planning through to delivery. The successful candidate will have significant experience leading teams and overseeing high-value projects.
• Technical Expertise: Proficiency in a wide range of geophysical methods, including:
• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
• Electromagnetics (EM)
• Magnetometry
• Microgravity
• Electrical methods (e.g., resistivity, induced polarisation)
• Seismic methods (e.g., P- and S-wave seismic refraction, surface wave analysis)
• Software Proficiency: Expertise in geophysical data processing and interpretation software such as Oasis Montaj, GeoGiga, SurfSeis, Res2Dinv, Zonde, Aarhus Workbench, or similar. Experience with coding in Python for custom data processing and automation is highly desirable, as well as proficiency with GIS and mapping tools like AutoCAD, Microstation, ArcGIS, and QGIS.

Skills

• Leadership and Communication: Strong leadership capabilities, with excellent written and verbal communication skills. The ability to present complex technical findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders is essential.
• Strategic Thinking: A forward-thinking individual who can identify opportunities for innovation and is adept at driving research and development within the geophysics discipline.