Senior Research Seismologist

ARA; Albuquerque (NM); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 182,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Senior Seismologist/Geophysicist to lead advanced seismic research supporting U.S. national security objectives, including monitoring nuclear explosions.

The role blends hands‑on technical work with leadership, collaborating across scientists and engineers to develop innovative solutions. The candidate will analyze seismic data, develop algorithms, and model wavefields, while staying current with advances in geophysics and signal analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Geophysics, Seismology, or a closely related field.
• 8+ years of direct experience in earthquake or explosion seismology.
• Experience leading basic and applied research and development (R&D) projects.
• Ability to perform advanced data analysis independently.
• Proficiency with modern numerical modeling tools and pre-/post-processing of seismic data (Python, MATLAB, Linux).
• Experience working with Linux-based high-performance computing systems.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to present complex concepts.
• U.S. citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. national security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute advanced seismic research addressing geophysical challenges for monitoring and defense missions.
• Acquire, process, and analyze seismic data to detect, locate, and discriminate signals.
• Perform time-series and spectral-domain analyses using advanced statistical methods.
• Design studies and develop algorithms for data processing and event characterization.
• Conduct numerical modeling and simulation of seismic wavefields (finite/spectral elements, FK, 3D ray tracing).
• Produce technical reports, publications, proposals, and presentations for various audiences.
• Stay current on geophysics, monitoring systems, and signal analysis advances.
• Engage with clients to understand requirements and contribute to proposals.

Skills

Seismology

Data analysis

Scientific programming

Independent work

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geophysics/Seismology or related field

Master's or PhD in Geophysics (preferred)

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Linux

C/C++

Fortran

Julia

Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking an accomplished Senior Seismologist/Geophysicist to conduct cutting‑edge research in support of U.S. critical national security objectives, including nuclear explosion monitoring missions. We are looking for a candidate with a strong record of leading advanced seismic research and a deep understanding of computational geophysics, sophisticated signal analysis, and numerical modeling. The ideal individual is motivated by applying geophysics to detect, locate, characterize, and discriminate underground nuclear explosions and other events of national security interest. You will collaborate with a diverse set of scientists and engineers while contributing both hands‑on technical excellence and leadership in developing innovative solutions.

This is a hybrid/remote position. For the Arlington office, we are relocating to the Alexandria, VA area in early 2027.

For San Antonio, salary range is $120K-$173K.

For Raleigh and Albuquerque, salary range is $120K-$182K.

For Arlington and Santa Barbara, salary range is $120K-$200K.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute advanced scientific research addressing complex geophysical challenges relevant to nuclear test monitoring and other defense missions.
• Acquire, process, and analyze seismic data to detect, locate, and discriminate natural and anthropogenic signals.
• Perform sophisticated time‑series and spectral‑domain analyses using advanced statistical and computational approaches.
• Design research studies and develop innovative algorithms, tools, and workflows for data processing, signal detection, and event characterization.
• Conduct numerical modeling and simulation of seismic wavefields (e.g., finite/spectral element methods, FK analysis, 3D ray tracing).
• Produce high‑quality technical reports, publications, proposals, and presentations for scientific, programmatic, and sponsor audiences.
• Stay current on emerging techniques, technologies, and scientific advances in geophysics, monitoring systems, and signal analysis.
• Engage directly with clients to understand technical requirements and deliver effective solutions, including through proposal development.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Geophysics, Seismology, or a closely related field, and at least 8 years of direct experience in earthquake or explosion seismology in the professional environment.
• Proven experience leading basic and applied research and development (R&D) projects to solve complex scientific problems in seismology.
• Ability to perform advanced data analysis independently.
• Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and generate compelling visualizations that support scientific conclusions.
• Demonstrated proficiency with modern numerical modeling tools and the pre‑/post‑processing of seismic floating‑point data (e.g., Python and scientific libraries, MATLAB, Linux shell scripting, C/C++/Fortran/Julia or other high‑performance computing languages).
• Experience working with Linux-based high-performance computing systems.
• Highly self‑motivated with a demonstrated ability to work independently on complex, high‑impact projects.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively and present complex concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. national security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Geophysics, Seismology, or a closely related field.
• Field experience with geophysical instrumentation and data acquisition, including DAS.

About Us

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee‑owned international research and engineering company known for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. We were founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979 and currently employ over 2,176 staff members in ARA offices throughout the U.S. and Canada. We provide our clients with broad and expanding technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software, and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA also takes pride in its culture, which values innovation & experimentation. At ARA, employees are our greatest assets, and we give our employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take active roles as owners. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. The company recognizes that employee‑ownership spurs greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and client satisfaction levels.