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Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Volcano Seismology

University of Oxford - Department of Earth Sciences

Location: Oxford
Salary: £39,424 to £41,636 per annum (pro-rata for part time appointment).
Hours: Full Time
Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract
Placed On: 9th December 2025
Closes: 14th December 2025
Job Ref: 183609

The Department of Earth Sciences are seeking a highly motivated and skilled researcher responsible for conducting a comprehensive retrospective analysis of volcanic seismicity across Costa Rica’s volcanic arc using state-of-the-art deep learning techniques and modern seismological processing workflows, reporting to Dr Sacha Lapins. This role offers an exciting opportunity to process multi-year continuous seismic datasets from Costa Rica’s National Seismological Network (Red Sismológica Nacional; RSN) creating enhanced earthquake catalogues that will illuminate subsurface volcanic, tectonic and geothermal processes along the volcanic arc, inform future field deployments, and serve as benchmarks for the development of new deep learning methods for volcanic seismicity.

This project will apply deep learning phase-picking models, combined with advanced phase association, probabilistic earthquake location, and relative relocation methods, to significantly enhance earthquake detection levels and location accuracy across the volcanic arc. The post holder will also be encouraged to develop independent research directions aligned with their own interests to support career development and prepare for future funding applications or permanent academic positions.
 
About you
 
The successful postholder will hold a PhD/DPhil in geophysics, Earth sciences, or a closely related field. The ideal candidate will have proven expertise in seismic data processing and analysis, knowledge of volcanic/ geothermal processes, strong quantitative skills, and proficiency in Python for scientific computing. You should be comfortable working with large geophysical datasets, managing projects independently, and collaborating with international partners. Excellent communication skills (both written and oral) are essential, along with the ability to meet deadlines and produce publishable research.
 
Experience with deep learning applications in seismology, using high performance computing (HPC) environments, field experience with seismic instrumentation deployment, as well as familiarity with seismic signal processing techniques, such as phase arrival picking, phase association, earthquake location and relative relocation, are desirable attributes but not essential.
 
This is a 24-month fixed term post from February 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. For full details of the role please see the job description. The deadline for applications is 14 December 2025. Interviews will be provisionally held on 14 January 2026.
 
You will be required to upload a CV and a Supporting Statement as part of your application. Please do not attach any manuscripts, papers, transcripts, mark sheets or certificates as these will not be considered as part of your application.
 
Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and ethnic minority candidates, who are under-represented in research posts in the Department.
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