Post Doctoral Scholar in AI for Geophysics/Geoscience

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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 in AI for Geophysics/Geoscience position. This position is supported through the NSF Collaborations in Artificial Intelligence and Geosciences Program. The position is based in Columbus, Ohio. More information about the lab is available at https://sun-hongyu.github.io/. 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.

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, 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 and contribute to the development of new research approaches and methodologies.

The Post Doctoral Scholar will conduct both independent and collaborative research in partnership with the Principal Investigator (PI) and research team. The role includes preparing manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals, presenting findings at conferences and workshops, and contributing to dissemination of research results. Additional responsibilities include developing and maintaining open-source research software, collaborating with internal and external research partners, and supporting the broader research mission of the group. The Post Doctoral Scholar will also mentor undergraduate and graduate students, provide guidance on research techniques and best practices, and contribute to a collaborative and productive research environment.

The initial appointment is for one year and is renewable annually based on satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.

Applications should include:

• A curriculum vitae
• A cover letter (maximum two pages) describing your research accomplishments, future research interests, and how your background and expertise make you a strong fit for this position.
• Letters of Recommendation: Candidates selected for interviews will be asked to arrange for at least two letters of recommendation.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The successful candidate is expected to start as soon as possible, although the exact start date is negotiable. Please use the submission portal to submit materials. Feel free to reach out to Dr. Hongyu Sun at sun.4379@osu.edu if you have questions. Please use the following subject line format when reaching out: Postdoc Application-Name-PhD Graduation Year-PhD Institution.

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

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

The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest college and the academic heart of the university. The College hosts 81 majors. With 38 departments, 20+ world-class research centers, and more than 2,000 faculty and staff members, students have the unique opportunity to study with the best artists, scholars, and scientists in their field.  

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. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, curriculum development, and public-private partnerships, BuckAI positions OSU as a national leader in AI-driven environmental research and education.

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