Research Engineer – Seismology & Full Waveform Inversion (H/F) in Toulouse

Job Description

Passive seismic data (ambient noise, microseismicity, teleseismic events) are noisy and irregular, and off-the-shelf tools rarely fit.

We are looking for a seismologist who understands full waveform inversion (FWI) from the inside – physics, mathematics, algorithms and code – to build an in-house FWI capability based on code we understand, control and can modify.

The role combines R&D and production.

• R&D – Full waveform inversion
• Design, develop and adapt an FWI workflow for passive seismic data, covering the full chain from raw data to velocity model
• Build and optimize forward-modeling and adjoint-based inversion components: gradient, misfit functions, regularization, uncertainty
• Benchmark on synthetic models, then apply to Mantle8 field datasets
• Assess and extend open-source codes (SPECFEM, Salvus, Devito, Seis Flows, Obs Py…), with attention to licensing
• Run and optimize inversions on HPC / cloud infrastructure
• Production – Seismic imaging for exploration
• Process dense nodal-array datasets (Stryde, Smart Solo): pre-processing, Green's-function retrieval, source characterization
• Apply established methods – ambient-noise tomography, traveltime tomography – to deliver models within project timelines
• Share clear results with geologists and geochemists and integrate them with other geophysical data
• Contribute to acquisition design (array geometry, sensor selection)
• Document methods and code, and write technical reports
• First milestones
• Months 1–3: take ownership of data and tools, choose the code base, first synthetic tests
• By month 6: first FWI results on Mantle8 field data

Requirements

• Required
• Ph D in seismology, geophysics, applied mathematics or a related field, with a thesis focused on full waveform inversion
• Early career: recent Ph D graduate, up to 5 years of experience after Ph D
• Hands-on development of FWI code: you have written, tested and benchmarked significant parts of an inversion workflow – not only used commercial software as a black box
• Complete view of the FWI protocol, from data to model, and in-depth understanding of each component
• Solid background in seismology and wave propagation
• Strong scientific programming (Python and/or C/C++, Fortran, Julia), numerical methods and Git
• Experience with HPC / parallel computing

Desirable

• Passive seismology: ambient-noise interferometry, teleseismic or microseismic data
• Ambient-noise or traveltime tomography in an applied setting
• Machine learning for seismic data
• Joint inversion or exploration geophysics
• Personal qualities
• Adaptability when working with complex, noisy data
• Autonomy, rigour and the ability to deliver on deadlines
• Clear communication within a multidisciplinary team
• Working proficiency in English; French is a plus

Non-linear career paths are welcome: what matters most to us is your expertise.

What we offer

• A central role in building a new capability in natural hydrogen exploration
• Access to proprietary datasets, with freedom to publish and present at conferences
• An interdisciplinary geoscience team and modern computing resources
• Health insurance fully covered for the employee, meal vouchers, CESU
• Recruitment process
• HR interview
• Technical interview with the Geophysics Lead
• Final interview with the CTO
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