Imaging the Deep Architecture of Patagonia Using Multi-Scale Seismic Tomography and Joint Inversion

About the research project

This PhD project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the most ambitious geophysical imaging programs ever undertaken in Patagonia. Despite its exceptional mineral and geothermal potential, the deep structure of the Patagonian lithosphere remains poorly understood, limiting our ability to develop robust models of lithospheric evolution, mineral systems, geothermal resources and seismic hazards.

The successful candidate will work with a newly acquired, large-scale seismic dataset consisting of approximately 40 broadband seismic stations deployed across Patagonia (Argentina) and a dense array of around 100 nodal seismometers, complemented by regional gravity data and other geophysical constraints. These datasets, combined with data from other available arrays, provide an unprecedented opportunity to investigate the structure of the crust and lithospheric mantle across a range of spatial scales.

The project will focus on the development and application of advanced seismic imaging techniques, including passive-source seismic tomography, receiver-functions, ambient-noise and body-wave methods, and integrated joint inversion approaches. The successful candidate will contribute to the production of the first high-resolution, multi-scale images of the crust and lithosphere beneath Patagonia and will investigate their implications for tectonic evolution, mineral systems, and geothermal resources.

The PhD will combine methodological development with the application of state-of-the-art imaging techniques to a frontier geoscience problem. Depending on the candidate's interests and background, the project may include the development of new inversion methodologies, integration of multiple geophysical datasets, uncertainty quantification, and interpretation of lithospheric-scale structures in the context of resource exploration and geological evolution.

The student will join an international research team involving leading researchers from Australia, Europe, South America, and Asia, and will have opportunities to collaborate with academic and industry partners. The project provides advanced training in seismic imaging, inverse theory, scientific computing, and integrated geophysical interpretation.

This PhD is ideally suited to a highly motivated candidate with a background in geophysics, Earth sciences, physics, or a related quantitative discipline, and an interest in seismic methods, computational geophysics, and lithospheric-scale Earth processes.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Juan Afonso

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

• a living allowance stipend co-funded with Oroplata Socieded Anonima (SA) of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• A MSci-equivalent degree (e.g. Licenciatura) in geophysics or a relevant field.

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

This project is particularly suited to a candidate with a strong background in geophysics, seismology, Earth sciences, physics, applied mathematics, or a closely related quantitative discipline. Applicants should have completed, or be close to completing, a degree with a substantial research component relevant to geophysics, seismology, or quantitative Earth science. The candidate must demonstrate ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team. Previous experience with seismic datasets is essential.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

Applicants should have strong quantitative and computational skills, including experience with scientific programming and data analysis. Experience with Python and common scientific libraries, seismic-processing tools, Linux/Bash workflows, ObsPy, SAC, GMT, QGIS, MATLAB, Julia, or similar tools would be valuable. Experience working in South American geological contexts would be advantageous.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Juan Afonso to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 August 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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