Senior Research Seismologist

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking an accomplished Senior Research Seismologist to join the Applied Algorithms, Modeling, and Assessment (AMA) Division. In this role, you will work within the Geophysical Models, Signatures, and Systems (GEMSS) Group, a team that conducts cutting‑edge research in support of U.S. nuclear monitoring missions and other critical national security objectives.

We are looking for a candidate with a strong record of leading advanced seismic research and a deep understanding of computational geophysics, sophisticated signal analysis, and numerical modeling. The ideal individual is motivated by applying geophysics to detect, locate, characterize, and discriminate underground nuclear explosions and other events of national security interest. You will collaborate with a diverse set of scientists and engineers while contributing both hands‑on technical excellence and leadership in developing innovative solutions.

Salary Range: $120K-$160K

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute advanced scientific research addressing complex geophysical challenges relevant to nuclear test monitoring and other defense missions.
• Acquire, process, and analyze seismic data to detect, locate, and discriminate natural and anthropogenic signals.
• Perform sophisticated time‑series and spectral‑domain analyses using advanced statistical and computational approaches.
• Design research studies and develop innovative algorithms, tools, and workflows for data processing, signal detection, and event characterization.
• Conduct numerical modeling and simulation of seismic wavefields (e.g., finite/spectral element methods, FK analysis, 3D ray tracing).
• Produce high‑quality technical reports, publications, proposals, and presentations for scientific, programmatic, and sponsor audiences.
• Stay current on emerging techniques, technologies, and scientific advances in geophysics, monitoring systems, and signal analysis.
• Engage directly with clients to understand technical requirements and deliver effective solutions, including through proposal development.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Geophysics/Seismology, or a closely related field, and at least 8-10 years of direct experience in earthquake or explosion seismology.
• Proven experience leading basic and applied research and development (R&D) projects to solve complex scientific problems in seismology funded by U.S. Government agencies, commercial firms, or other organizations.
• Recognized as an emerging expert in nuclear monitoring seismology with the ability to perform advanced data analyses independently.
• Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and generate compelling visualizations that support scientific conclusions.
• Demonstrated proficiency with modern numerical modeling tools and the pre‑/post‑processing of seismic floating‑point data (e.g., Python and scientific libraries, MATLAB, Linux shell scripting, C/C++/Fortran/Julia or other high‑performance computing languages).
• Experience working with Linux-based high-performance computing systems.
• Highly self-motivated with a demonstrated ability to work independently on complex, high-impact projects.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively and present complex concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• U.S. Citizenship Required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. national security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S. in Geophysics/Seismology, or a closely related field, and at least 6-8 years of direct experience in earthquake or explosion seismology.
• Ph.D. in Geophysics/Seismology, or a closely related field, and at least 3-5 years of direct experience in earthquake or explosion seismology.
• Field experience with geophysical instrumentation and data acquisition, including DAS.
• Experience mentoring junior scientists.

About Us:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company known for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. We were founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979 and currently employ over 2,240 staff members in ARA offices throughout the U.S. and Canada. We provide our clients with broad and expanding technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software, and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA also takes pride in its culture, which values innovation & experimentation. At ARA, employees are our greatest assets, and we give our employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take active roles as owners. The motto, "Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit" sums up the ARA experience. The company recognizes that employee-ownership spurs greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and client satisfaction levels.