University of Bristol - School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience
Senior Research Associate in Applied Seismology
University of Bristol - School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Bristol, Connecticut, us, 06010
Join to apply for the Senior Research Associate in Applied Seismology role at University of Bristol – School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience. This 18‑month post is part of the University of Bristol’s Geophysics group within the School of Earth Sciences (ranked 2nd in the UK’s REF2021).
The role will involve close collaboration with researchers at the University of Oxford, the British Geological Survey, and various external partners, including government bodies and industry as part of the DarkSeis and BOPS research projects.
The post-holder will conduct research to advance the use of high‑density “nodal” arrays and/or Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) to detect and characterise induced (micro)seismic events at industrial sites and to detect and characterise geophysical perturbations caused by subsurface industrial activities.
Key responsibilities
Work with microseismic datasets acquired across a range of industrial sites.
Participate in field campaigns to acquire new datasets using nodal sensors and/or DAS where possible.
Develop novel processing methods leveraging DAS and nodal deployments in order to detect microseismic events, characterise their sources, and image geophysical perturbations.
Develop machine learning methods to efficiently process large data volumes.
Facilitate communications between the various organisations involved in DarkSeis and BOPS projects.
Possibly undertake teaching and supervision of MSc dissertations, subject to available time.
Qualifications and experience
Broad quantitative background in geophysics, applied/computational statistics, data science, civil engineering, mathematics or physics.
Prior experience working with geophysical datasets.
Experience with DAS data and/or machine learning is welcome but not required.
Experience acquiring geophysical data in the field is welcome.
Strong research skills, including scientific programming and ability to produce research outputs.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong team‑working skills, and a commitment to contributing positively to the wider community and research culture.
Additional information Contract type:
Open ended with fixed funding until 31/12/2027
Work pattern:
Full time
Grade:
J/Pathway 2
Salary:
£43,482 – £50,253 per annum
School/Unit:
School of Earth Sciences
Advert closing date:
23:59 UK time on 08/02/2026
Interview schedule:
Mid‑February 2026
Informal contact:
James Verdon, james.verdon@bristol.ac.uk
EEO statement The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people – because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.
Available documents
ACAD108409 - Senior Research Associate – JD.pdf
Science Engineering Further Particulars 2024‑2025 (14).pdf
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The role will involve close collaboration with researchers at the University of Oxford, the British Geological Survey, and various external partners, including government bodies and industry as part of the DarkSeis and BOPS research projects.
The post-holder will conduct research to advance the use of high‑density “nodal” arrays and/or Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) to detect and characterise induced (micro)seismic events at industrial sites and to detect and characterise geophysical perturbations caused by subsurface industrial activities.
Key responsibilities
Work with microseismic datasets acquired across a range of industrial sites.
Participate in field campaigns to acquire new datasets using nodal sensors and/or DAS where possible.
Develop novel processing methods leveraging DAS and nodal deployments in order to detect microseismic events, characterise their sources, and image geophysical perturbations.
Develop machine learning methods to efficiently process large data volumes.
Facilitate communications between the various organisations involved in DarkSeis and BOPS projects.
Possibly undertake teaching and supervision of MSc dissertations, subject to available time.
Qualifications and experience
Broad quantitative background in geophysics, applied/computational statistics, data science, civil engineering, mathematics or physics.
Prior experience working with geophysical datasets.
Experience with DAS data and/or machine learning is welcome but not required.
Experience acquiring geophysical data in the field is welcome.
Strong research skills, including scientific programming and ability to produce research outputs.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong team‑working skills, and a commitment to contributing positively to the wider community and research culture.
Additional information Contract type:
Open ended with fixed funding until 31/12/2027
Work pattern:
Full time
Grade:
J/Pathway 2
Salary:
£43,482 – £50,253 per annum
School/Unit:
School of Earth Sciences
Advert closing date:
23:59 UK time on 08/02/2026
Interview schedule:
Mid‑February 2026
Informal contact:
James Verdon, james.verdon@bristol.ac.uk
EEO statement The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people – because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.
Available documents
ACAD108409 - Senior Research Associate – JD.pdf
Science Engineering Further Particulars 2024‑2025 (14).pdf
#J-18808-Ljbffr