PhD Position: Seismic Detection, Localization and Characterization of Explosion Events in Underground Ammunition Storage Facilities

Organisation/Company

ETH Zürich

Research Field

Computer science » Other
Engineering » Other
Environmental science » Earth science
Physics » Acoustics
Physics » Computational physics
Physics » Other

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Application Deadline

7 Jul 2026 - 21:59 (UTC)

Country

Switzerland

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

PhD Position: Seismic Detection, Localization and Characterization of Explosion Events in Underground Ammunition Storage Facilities

The Swiss Seismological Service (SED) at ETH Zurich invites applications for a PhD position within a multi-year applied research project on the detection, localization and interpretation of explosion events in underground ammunition storage facilities. The position is embedded in a collaborative project with armasuisse Science and Technology and partners from industry and the Swiss Armed Forces. The research contributes to the scientific foundation of monitoring and rapid altering systems for underground infrastructure.

Project background

Seismic and fiber-optic sensing technologies offer promising solutions for the real-time detection, localization and characterization of explosions and related hazardous events in underground facilities. The project aims to evaluate sensor technologies, design and optimize multi-sensor monitoring networks, and develop advanced detection and localization algorithms adapted to complex 3D underground geometries.

The research will be conducted in close collaboration between BedrettoLab run by ETH and the underground test facilities Hondrich run by armasuisse. The project spans between 2026 and 2029 and includes experimental campaigns, field installations and data collection, data processing, algorithm development and system optimization.

Job description

• Experimental Campaigns and Sensor Evaluation: Design and analysis of controlled test explosions in the BedrettoLab, evaluation of seismic sensors (e.g., different types of seismometers as well as distributed acoustic sensing technology)
• Design and Installation of a Multi-Sensor Monitoring Network in the Hondrich underground test facilities: Definition of optimal sensor geometry, participation in field installations, calibration of velocity models using controlled test events and quality control of data acquisition
• Algorithm Development: Integration of multi-sensor data streams into seismological software frameworks (e.g., SeisComP), wave propagation modeling in complex 3D geometries, development and optimization of event detection algorithms, high-precision localization methods, event magnitude as well as source characterization techniques, and contributions to the implementation of real-time alarm systems
• Contributions to implementation of cost-optimized alarm system: Cost-benefit optimiziation of reduced sensor layouts, optimization of simple-to-use monitoring concepts for future underground facilities, and close collaboration with various stakeholders (engineering companies, Swiss Armed Forces, armasuisse, international collaborators) to ensure efficient roll-out of the system

Profile

• MSc degree in Geophysics, Seismology, Earth Sciences, Physics, Engineering, or a related field
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills as well as programming skills (Python required; experience with seismic data processing is advantageous)
• Initial experience seismic data analysis and/or wave propagation modelling is an asset
• Willingness to participate in field campaigns in underground facilities
• Interest in field experiments and applied research.
• Mindset for practical and efficient project implementation
• Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary and practice-oriented environment

We offer

• A fully funded PhD position (up to 4 years)
• Employment according to ETH Zurich regulations
• Access to the Bedretto Underground Laboratory
• A collaborative environment bridging research, field experiments, and real-world applications
• Opportunities for publications and international conference participation
• Excellent analytical skills
• Strong communication skills ideally in German and English

Supervision and Environment

The candidate will be supervised by senior scientists at the Swiss Seismological Service, ETH Zurich, and will work within a multidisciplinary project consortium including public authorities and industry partners.

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich We value diversity and sustainabilityIn line with our values , ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future .Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Motivation letter
• CV
• Academic transcripts
• Contact details of 2–3 references

Further information about BedrettoLab can be found on our website . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Valentin Gischig (valentin.gischig@eaps.ethz.ch ) (no applications).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

Preferred start date: July 2026 or as soon as possible.

About ETH ZürichETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in
science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education,
cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge
into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our
university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe,
yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to
develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

Website

https://academicpositions.com/ad/eth-zurich/2026/phd-position-seismic-detection…

Research Field

Computer science

Years of Research Experience

None

Research Field

Engineering

Years of Research Experience

None

Research Field

Environmental science

Years of Research Experience

None

Research Field

Physics

Years of Research Experience

None

Research Field

Physics

Years of Research Experience

None

Research Field

Physics

Years of Research Experience

None

Website for additional job details

https://academicpositions.com

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

ETH Zürich

Country

Switzerland

City

Zurich

Postal Code

8006

Street

Rämistrasse 101

Geofield

City

Zurich

Website

https://ethz.ch/en.html

Postal Code

8006

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