IT Expert for Seismological Data and Services Management

The Bedretto Underground Laboratory for Geosciences and Geoenergies (BedrettoLab) at ETH Zurich is at the forefront of experimental geosciences, conducting cutting-edge research in earthquake physics, seismic instrumentation, and geothermal energy. A dense, multi-scale seismic network consisting of traditional instruments, borehole piezoelectric sensors, and DAS being acquired at sampling rates ranging from 1,000 to 200,000 samples per second, is capable of observing magnitude negative five induced earthquakes at meters to 10’s of meter scales. All data is acquired and processed using SeisComP.  We are seeking an experienced IT Expert to manage and enhance our seismological data and services. This role involves real-time data acquisition, instrument configuration, metadata management, seismological monitoring products management, and quality control using industry-standard platforms such as SeisComP, SeedLink, and FDSN web services. The successful candidate will also support the development and deployment of research software for data processing and interactive seismological visualisations, optimize data storage and distribution, and ensure system reliability through advanced monitoring and analysis.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary and international research environment, contributing to fundamental challenges in seismology, geophysics, and energy applications. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in database management, Linux/Unix systems, and provide support with scientific programming, and CI/CD pipelines. We welcome applicants with a proactive and collaborative mindset, eager to push the boundaries of research through technology.

• Real-Time Data Acquisition: Manage and support real-time data acquisition and archiving from seismological instruments using community-standard protocol (i.e., SeedLink). Oversee support with well-established instrument manufacturers, digitizers, and firmware.
• Data Acquisition Interface: Analyze, maintain, and develop interfaces for experimental seismic instruments to optimize data collection and performance.
• Instrument Configuration & Metadata Management: Oversee instrument configurations, backups, and versioning. Maintain and manage instrumental metadata, including instrumental response and station parameters.
• Instrument Monitoring & Quality Control: Utilize SeisComP and its QC functionalities to monitor instrument state-of-health. Extend QC functionalities to accommodate experimental instrumentation.
• Seismological Data & Products Management: Support, optimize, and extend the storage of seismological monitoring products, including earthquake catalogues, in databases. Ensure efficient distribution via web services using FDSN community standards, SeisComP and PostgreSQL.
• Support Research Software Development: Assist in the development and deployment of seismological research software for data processing as well as GUI (desktop and web-based) with CI/CD pipelines, testing, and performance assessment.
• System Optimization & Real-Time Analysis: Support real-time and a posteriori data analysis, system configuration tracking, and SOH monitoring to enhance system reliability and accuracy.

Required Qualifications:

• Degree in Computer Science or a related field, or a PhD in seismology or a related field
• Expertise in database systems (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL).
• Proficiency in Linux/Unix environments.
• Programming skills in Python and C++, experience in scientific software development would be regarded positively.
• Knowledge of CI/CD tools such as GitHub Actions and GitLab CI.
• Experience in handling real-time data streams, large datasets, ensuring quality control and consistency. 
• Familiarity with seismic data processing and real-time systems, particularly SeedLink and SeisComP.
• Understanding of data analysis, seismology, and geophysics.
• Proficiency in English, the working language of our group.

Soft Skills:

• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with a multidisciplinary and international team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting, and engaging with external partners.
• Proactive and creative approach to addressing complex scientific and engineering challenges.
• Ability to adapt to evolving research directions and handle real-time processing demands.
• Passion for advancing research through technology.

• Work in an international, dynamic and collaborative research environment at the forefront of earthquake physics and seismic instrumentation.
• Contribute to fundamental challenges in seismology, geothermal energy, and geobiology.
• Access to cutting-edge tools, algorithms, and high-quality seismic datasets.
• Competitive salary and benefits, including academic development and training opportunities.
• Flexible working hours (80–100%) – Depending on experience and CV, we adjust the workload individually
• Place of work City of Zurich, near ETH main building – Centrally located with excellent access to public transport.