Computational Postdoctoral Fellow For AI-driven Seismic Imaging

The University of Texas at Austin • Austin, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a fixed-term position for one year, located at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus in North Austin. Purpose This position will enhance the The Bureau of Economic Geology's competency in computational seismology, specifically AI-driven full-waveform inversion using diffusion-model approaches.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Geophysics, Applied Mathematics, Computational Science, or a closely related field, with demonstrated research experience in seismic imaging, waveform inversion, or inverse problems.
• Strong background in full waveform inversion and wave-equation–based modeling, including familiarity with adjoint-state methods, gradient-based optimization, and multi-scale inversion strategies.
• Proven expertise in machine learning and deep learning for scientific applications, including hands-on experience with neural network architectures (e.g., CNNs, autoencoders, physics-informed or hybrid models) and modern frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• Advanced programming and high-performance computing skills, including proficiency in Python and/or C/C++, experience with GPU acceleration, and the ability to develop, test, and maintain research-grade software for large-scale numerical experiments.
• PhD must have been obtained within 3 years from date of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. degree from a computation-intensive program, such as applied mathematics, scientific computing, or a closely related field, with training that emphasizes large-scale numerical modeling and high-performance computing.
• Demonstrated research experience with advanced generative AI methods, particularly modern probabilistic or generative frameworks such as denoising diffusion probabilistic models (DDPMs), score-based models, or related approaches, ideally applied to inverse problems or physical sciences.
• Prior academic or research affiliation with the University of Texas at Austin, including close collaboration with the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences and/or the Bureau of Economic Geology, or an established record of collaborative research with these institutions.
• Strong interdisciplinary collaboration experience, particularly at the interface of seismic inversion, computational science, and machine learning, with evidence of independently leading or co-leading research projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform research in AI-driven waveform inversion using diffusion models.
• Investigating 3D diffusion model’s affordability and possibility in seismic imaging.
• Perform research in joint seismic inversion for velocity and density models.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees