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Postdoctoral Fellow(s)

Edmonton, AB
Mid Level
full_time

Top Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

About the role

Department Faculty of Science - Physics

Hours per week -

Posted date July 29, 2025

Closing date September 9, 2025

Position Type Full Time - Trust Funded

Description

This competition will be used to fill three post-doctoral fellow positions.

This position is part of the Post Doctoral Fellows Association and has an initial appointment of one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to four years.

This position has a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Department of Physics

The Department of Physics at the University of Alberta has developed a strong research environment and a tradition of accolades. Members of the Physics department have received national and international recognition, a point of pride for our department, and also a testament to the support, facilities, and opportunities available at the University of Alberta's Department of Physics.

Information about the Department can be found at https://www.physics.ualberta.ca/ and on the research consortium at https://www.microseismic-research.net/

Position Summary

The Van der Baan Research Group invites applications for three postdoctoral research positions. The successful applicants will carry out research in the group of Professor Mirko van der Baan on the topic of (1) distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), (2) geomechanics, and (3) applied seismology, in particular microseismicity. They will work on theory and applications of microseismic monitoring of underground carbon storage and hydraulic fracturing of low-permeability hydrocarbon reservoirs.

Ongoing research involves computational modeling using discrete element methods, pore-pressure diffusion, high-resolution hypocenters and source mechanisms, ambient-noise seismic interferometry, and low-frequency strain deformations due to fracture propagation.

These postdoctoral positions are available immediately. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to four years. The successful applicant will become part of the Consortium for Distributed and Passive Sensing (C-DaPS), which is sponsored by hydrocarbon operators and service companies. There will be a strong interaction with the sponsors.

Duties

  • Carry out research activities in microseismic monitoring of underground carbon storage and hydraulic fracturing of low-permeability hydrocarbon reservoirs.
  • Involve in the research of computational modeling using discrete element methods, pore-pressure diffusion, high-resolution hypocenters and source mechanisms, ambient-noise seismic interferometry, and low-frequency strain deformations due to fracture propagation.
  • Prepare research papers, presentations, and/or publications.
  • Present research results at seminars and scientific conferences.

Qualifications

  • PhD in earthquake and/or applied seismology, geomechanics, reservoir simulation, or distributed sensing.
  • Relevant research experience in earthquake and/or applied seismology, geomechanics, reservoir simulation, or distributed sensing.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
  • Familiarity with programming.

How to :

To apply, please submit the following in a single PDF document:

  • Cover Letter
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • List of Publications
  • Statement of research interests
  • References (Please provide names and contact information of 3 references. We are not requesting reference letters with the initial application.)

For inquiries, please direct them to Prof. Mirko van der Baan (Mirko.vanderBaan@ualberta.ca).

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of inclusivity and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identité et une expression sexospécifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.

Note: This opportunity will be available until midnight September 9, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time.

About University of Alberta

Higher Education
10,000+

The University of Alberta is one of Canada’s top teaching and research universities, with an international reputation for excellence across the humanities, sciences, creative arts, business, engineering, and health sciences. Home to more than 39,000 students and 15,000 faculty and staff, the university has an annual budget of $1.7 billion and attracts nearly $450 million in sponsored research revenue. The U of A offers close to 400 rigorous undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in 18 faculties on five campuses. The university has more than 250,000 alumni worldwide.

The university and its people remain dedicated to the promise made in 1908 by founding president Henry Marshall Tory that knowledge shall be used for “uplifting the whole people."​