Researcher seismology

Researcher seismology bij Koninklijk Nederlands Meteorologisch Instituut (KNMI)

Dit ga je doen

Do you want to contribute to the safety of the Netherlands and the Caribbean Netherlands (BES islands)? As a researcher in seismology at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute KNMI, you will work at the heart of our national seismo-acoustical monitoring network. From induced and natural seismicity to nuclear tests, volcanic activity and tsunami-related phenomena: your work supports our legal mandate and helps protect millions of people. Ready to make a difference? Keep on reading.

How you contribute

As a researcher in seismology, you work within the Seismology and Acoustics department across the full chain of monitoring, research, and advisory services. You conduct research that improves our understanding of earthquakes and related geophysical phenomena, and you transform scientific insights into information and advice with real societal impact. You analyse data from the national seismo-acoustical monitoring network and from volcano monitoring systems on the BES islands, including GNSS observations. Your work supports KNMI’s legal mandate and helps protect people in situations where fast and reliable interpretation is essential.

Activities

• You develop methods for earthquake detection, characterisation, propagation modelling, and seismic hazard assessment.
• You analyse seismic and related geophysical data to improve understanding of natural and induced seismicity.
• You translate scientific insights into operationally relevant products and advice for stakeholders.
• You contribute to research and monitoring projects related to earthquakes, volcanic activity, nuclear tests, and tsunamis.
• You help acquire new research and monitoring projects and contribute to scientific publications.
• You guide junior colleagues and students in their research activities.

Your team

You work closely with fellow researchers, IT specialists, and colleagues in an agile development team. The team combines scientific depth with an operational mindset. Collaboration is open and informal, with a strong focus on sharing knowledge and improving methods together. Curiosity, critical thinking, and public service drive the work. There is a clear research-oriented atmosphere, while results are expected to be applicable in real-world monitoring and advisory contexts.

Dit bieden we nog meer

At our organization, you’ll work on meaningful projects that make a real impact in the Netherlands. In a workplace that values your professional growth and recognizes your contributions. Our benefits reflect that commitment.

Core benefits that provide security:

• 144 hours of annual leave per year (based on a 36-hour work week)
• Full public transport reimbursement or a mileage allowance of € 0,07 or € 0,21 per km (conditions apply)
• Mobile phone and laptop
• € 750 budget for setting up your home workspace, plus a daily homeworking allowance of € 2,40
• Pension scheme through ABP

A supportive environment that encourages growth:

• Hybrid working options tailored to your role, in consultation with your manager
• Personal development opportunities, training and career coaching

Flexible benefits designed around your life:

• Individual Choice Budget (IKB): use this budget (the amount is 16.5% of your salary) for options such as repaying student loans, purchasing a (electric) bike with accessories, company fitness, making your home more sustainable, or other tax-friendly purposes
• Flexible leave arrangements, including care leave, parental leave, adoption leave, and foster care leave
• Our program provides support for visas and related matters, and language training (it does not include accommodation)

Dit vragen wij

• Preferably a PhD in seismology, geophysics, physics, or a closely related field, and demonstrable research experience.
• Knowledge of geophysical measurement systems, data quality, and data-driven scientific research, reflected in your publications and project contributions.
• Experience with analysing seismic and related geophysical datasets for source detection, characterization, and/or seismic hazard research.
• Sensitivity to stakeholder interests, media dynamics, and political contexts when dealing with topics such as induced seismicity.
• Availability to participate in 24/7 duty services as seismologist on duty.
• A strong national or international scientific network is an advantage.
• Willingness to work in a hybrid setting with regular presence in De Bilt.

Qualities and competencies

At KNMI we value researchers who take ownership, show initiative, and enjoy collaborating across scientific and operational teams. You are comfortable working in large national and international project environments and you build strong professional networks.

You communicate complex topics in clear and understandable terms, even when dealing with sensitive subjects such as induced seismicity. You are aware of the societal and political context of your work and act with professionalism and care. During on-call periods you contribute to our twenty four seven advisory service as seismologist on duty. This typically occurs for one week every two to three months.

Hier kom je te werken

Over Koninklijk Nederlands Meteorologisch Instituut

Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute

The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) is the national center of expertise and data for weather, climate, and seismology, and is reliable, independent, and focused on what the Netherlands needs: a safe society that is prepared for the impact of weather, climate change, and seismic activity.

Bijzonderheden

Location and working arrangements

Your official workplace is De Bilt. At the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI), we actively encourage hybrid working. In consultation with your manager and colleagues, you can work from home or at the office, depending on the nature of your role.