Postdoc Scholar in Geophysics focused on Rock Rheology and Machine Learning
 The Pennsylvania State University | |
remote work
| |
 United States, Pennsylvania, University Park | |
| 201 Old Main (Show on map) | |
 May 14, 2026 | |
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the termlengthdiscussed willbebasedonuniversityneed,performance,and/oravailabilityoffunding.POSITION SPECIFICS A Postdoctoral Scholar position is available in the Department of Geosciences at The Pennsylvania State University. The Postdoctoral Scholar will join a Department of Energy (DOE)-funded project focused on the development, scaling, and end-to-end testing of the Thermodynamics-Informed Physics Invertible Neural Network (TIP-INN) framework. The core objective of this research is to advance physics-informed machine learning architectures to process complex, real-world geodetic and acoustic datasets for subsurface energy applications. The Postdoctoral Scholar will work primarily with Prof. Tushar Mittal at Penn State to: 1.Scale and Test the TIP-INN Architecture:Lead the transition from model development to end-to-end testing of the full TIP-INN framework. This includes adapting the architecture to handle dynamic, multi-modal observational datasets and implementing robust validation protocols. 2. Operationalize Acoustic Data Workflows: Develop and deploy machine learning pipelines for high-volume acoustic data processing from the lab. This will involve isolating source characteristics from lab acoustic datasets and optimizing workflows for continuous monitoring applications. 3. Develop scaling from lab to the field: Moving beyond standard laboratory rock deformation data, the postdoc wouldtrain models utilizing field-scale measurements (e.g., GPS, InSAR, borehole strainmeters) and tidal responses, and utilize seismo-acoustic data for providing information about damage and fracture network properties. The chosen candidate must have a Ph.D. in Geoscience or a closely related field by the appointment start date. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.BENEFITS Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.For more detailed information, please visit ourBenefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.) CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here. EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines | |