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

Workplace

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.

We value diversity and sustainability

In 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 ([email protected]) (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.

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

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