Postdoctoral Scholar in AI for Geophysics/Geoscience

The AI4E Lab led by Dr. Hongyu Sun at the School of Earth Sciences and the BuckAI Observatory at The Ohio State University invites applications for a Post Doctoral Scholar position in AI for Geophysics/Geoscience. This role is supported through the NSF Collaborations in Artificial Intelligence and Geosciences Program and is based in Columbus, Ohio. More information about the lab is available here.

About the role

The successful candidate will contribute to the development of next-generation AI methods for geophysical imaging and monitoring, advancing both fundamental Earth science and engineering applications. Research activities may involve geophysical forward modeling, AI-driven geophysical inversion, seismic monitoring and imaging, and scientific machine learning, depending on the specific research focus.

The Post Doctoral Scholar is expected to take a leading role in specific research projects or components, contribute to the development of new research approaches and methodologies, and conduct both independent and collaborative research in partnership with the Principal Investigator (PI) and research team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
• Present findings at conferences and workshops.
• Contribute to dissemination of research results.
• Develop and maintain open-source research software.
• Collaborate with internal and external research partners.
• Support the broader research mission of the group.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Provide guidance on research techniques and best practices.
• Contribute to a collaborative and productive research environment.

Requirements

• Doctorate degree (completed by the start date) in Geophysics, Seismology, Earth Sciences, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, or equivalent experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong programming skills (Python and/or related scientific computing languages).
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications or manuscripts in preparation.

Qualifications

We welcome applicants from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, including geophysics, seismology, data science, artificial intelligence, applied mathematics, physics, and related fields. Candidates with strong methodological expertise and an interest in applying AI to Earth science problems are especially encouraged to apply.

• Experience with machine learning and deep learning.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex geophysical data and apply appropriate research methodologies.

Schedule

The initial appointment is for one year and is renewable annually based on satisfactory performance and the availability of funding. The successful candidate is expected to start as soon as possible, although the exact start date is negotiable.

About the organization

The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest college and the academic heart of the university, hosting 81 majors, 38 departments, 20+ world-class research centers, and more than 2,000 faculty and staff members.

BuckAI Observatory is a Center of Excellence in applied artificial intelligence (AI) for Earth and planetary observation at The Ohio State University. Housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, the Observatory integrates cutting-edge AI methods with remote sensing science to accelerate discovery across disciplines—from geodesy, Earth sciences, and agriculture to the arts and public policy. It provides shared cyberinfrastructure, expert data engineering support, and workforce development programs that lower barriers to AI adoption.