Geophysicist I

Activate; Salt Lake City, Northern (UT, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

PTO 18 days

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision coverage

401k

Stock options

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Zanskar in Salt Lake City is seeking a Geophysicist I to image the subsurface using ambient noise and passive seismic data. You will build velocity models, map basement depth and faults, and develop scalable processing pipelines in Python/ObsPy to support geothermal exploration.

The role requires strong skills in seismic processing and inversion, collaboration with geologists, engineers and data scientists, and a hybrid work arrangement from our Salt Lake City headquarters.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in geophysics, seismology, or a closely related field.
• Peer‑reviewed publications demonstrating passive seismic methods.
• Strong foundation in seismic signal processing and inversion.
• Proficiency with Python, HPC, and reproducible workflows; version control.
• Translate research methods into practical, decision‑grade tools under real‑world constraints.
• Collaborate across geologists, geophysicists, engineers, and data scientists.

Responsibilities

• Build velocity models and image basement depth from passive arrays.
• Locate and analyze microseismicity to map active faults and stress regimes.
• Develop, benchmark, and refine passive seismic imaging methods.
• Create reproducible processing pipelines (Python/ObsPy) for large datasets.
• Collaborate with Exploration and R&D teams to integrate passive imaging into prospect evaluation.

Skills

Python

Seismic processing

Ambient noise

Microseismic analysis

Inversion

Git

Education

Master’s or PhD in Geophysics/Seismology

Tools

ObsPy

HPC

GitHub

Job description

Role Overview

Title: Geophysicist I
Location: Salt Lake City, UT (hybrid)
Benefits Eligible: yes
Manager: Exploration Geophysics

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 seismologist to image the subsurface using ambient noise. Working within our Exploration Geophysics team, you'll help convert passive seismic signals into actionable items: images of basement depth, and fault geometry, that can be jointly interpreted with additional geophysical techniques to inform a complete conceptual model for drilling geothermal resources.

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 Exploration and R&D teams to integrate passive imaging into prospect evaluation

What we're looking for

Required

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree (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)
• 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 results 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
  • Short term disability
  • Stock options
  • Growth opportunities at a company with a direct impact in displacing carbon emissions

Equal Opportunity Employer

Zanskar is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply and will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws.