Postdoctoral Researcher – Passive Seismic Imaging

Zanskar; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

18 days PTO + accrual

Medical, dental and vision coverage

401k

Life insurance

Short term & Long term disability

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Zanskar invites a Postdoctoral Researcher in Passive Seismic Imaging to advance subsurface imaging using earthquakes and ambient noise. The hybrid role is based in Salt Lake City and collaborates with exploration and R&D teams to turn passive signals into actionable images of basement depth and fault geometry.

You will build velocity models, analyze microseismicity, and develop scalable pipelines (Python/ObsPy). A Ph.D. in geophysics or seismology and strong computing skills are required.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. (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) a plus
• 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 effectively with geologists, geophysicists, engineers, and data scientists

Responsibilities

• 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 the exploration and R&D teams to integrate passive imaging into prospect evaluation

Skills

Python

ObsPy

Seismic signal processing

Git

Collaboration

HPC

Education

Ph.D. in geophysics / seismology

Tools

Python

HPC

Git/GitHub

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher – Passive Seismic Imaging

Location: Salt Lake City, UT (hybrid)
Benefits Eligible: yes
Salary: $85k - $95k
Manager: Seismic Team Lead

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 Postdoctoral Researcher in Passive Seismic Imaging to help advance how we image the subsurface using earthquakes and ambient noise. Working alongside our exploration and R&D teams, you'll help convert passive seismic signals into actionable items: images of basement depth, and fault geometry, that improve how we characterize prospects.

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

What we’re looking for

Required

• Ph.D. (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) a plus
• 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 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
• Life insurance + Short term & Long term disability
• Growth opportunities at a company with a direct impact in displacing carbon emissions

Equal Opportunity Employer

Zanskar is an equal‑opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practice laws.