Computational Seismology Problem Designer

Obsidian; New York (NY); Remote; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Obsidian seeks a Computational Seismology & Geophysics Expert to design problems for advanced AI benchmarking. You will use open-source tools like SPECFEM, ObsPy, Pyrocko, SimPEG, pyGIMLi, SeisBench, EQcorrscan, or Fatiando a Terra to run simulations and interpret results.

You’ll create graduate-level challenges, validate workflows, and refine tasks based on feedback, working in a Linux environment with remote compute sandboxes, and dedicating 15–20 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Graduate-level training in a relevant STEM field (MS, PhD, or equivalent research experience).
• Proven proficiency with at least one listed scientific software library, shown via publications, open-source contributions, or professional work.
• Strong Python skills — writing problem setups, oracle functions, and solution validators.
• Ability to work independently and refine problem designs based on feedback.
• Comfortable in a Linux/terminal environment with remote compute sandboxes.
• Available for at least 15–20 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Create problems requiring skilled use of specialized scientific software.
• Design problems that require multi-step workflows and strategic querying.
• Test problems against state-of-the-art AI models and refine to target difficulty.

Skills

Python

Linux

Independent work

Problem design

Education

MS/PhD in STEM

Tools

SPECFEM

ObsPy

Pyrocko

SimPEG

pyGIMLi

SeisBench

EQcorrscan

Fatiando a Terra

Job description

Obsidian seeks a Computational Seismology & Geophysics Expert to design problems for advanced AI benchmarking. You will use open-source tools like SPECFEM, ObsPy, Pyrocko, SimPEG, pyGIMLi, SeisBench, EQcorrscan, or Fatiando a Terra to run simulations and interpret results.

You’ll create graduate-level challenges, validate workflows, and refine tasks based on feedback, working in a Linux environment with remote compute sandboxes, and dedicating 15–20 hours per week.