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Between 2006 and 2009, 0.1% of employed doctoral graduates or 20 employed doctoral graduates, are known to have been working as geophysicists six months after graduation.

Job description

Doctoral level geophysicists are typically found as researchers outside the HE sector at the start of their careers, although some enter HE research roles.

A geophysicist studies physical aspects of the earth and uses complex equipment to collect data on earthquakes and seismic waves, which move through and around the earth. A key responsibility of the geophysicist is controlling data quality by monitoring displays and performing some initial interpretation.

Job descriptions vary according to the area of employment. The work may include:

  • working within a research institute to investigate seismological structures and provide seismological information to the public and government
  • undertaking seismic exploration and producing controlled source seismic data for an oil company or consultancy
  • providing environmental consultancy e.g. Investigation of landfill sites, using geophysical techniques;
  • supporting an equipment pool for academic seismologists within academia.

Typical work activities

Geophysicists work in the field, which may be onshore or offshore and typical work activities include:

  • Adapting data collection procedures, deciding on suitable seismic measurement and data processing techniques
  • Improving existing techniques in data acquisition and mathematical processing, as well as seeking to develop new techniques and methods.
  • Designing, testing, modifying and repairing seismic equipment, taking equipment out to various locations around the world and deploying seismometers
  • Observing the reaction of recording equipment to detect irregularities
  • Using computers for data management, quality control and communication between the office and field locations
  • Interpreting and reporting on collected data to the team, clients, senior managers or partners at meetings and presentations
  • Thinking quickly and independently to solve problems, often with limited resources in remote locations
  • Working closely with a small team of scientists and other staff who may be away in the field or offshore for several weeks at a time
  • Compiling charts and reports
  • Writing documentation and work logs

Training and advising other users (mainly academics and postgraduate researchers)

Entry requirements

Relevant degree and doctoral subjects include physical, mathematical and applied sciences and engineering. Doctoral study may also provide opportunities to make useful contacts through projects within industry or attendance at conferences. It is sometimes possible to get freelance work through meeting appropriate contacts.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

  • Good colour vision as the work may involve interpreting geological maps and differentiating between various rocks and minerals
  • Good it skills to process data and produce three-dimensional models of geophysical features
  • Numerical skills
  • Flexibility and adaptability
  • Ability to express ideas and findings clearly, both orally and in writing to produce reports and make presentations
  • A desire to travel as worldwide travel is a key feature of this career
  • The ability to work well in a team, especially in remote areas

Physical fitness and good health are important as the work may take place in remote areas with difficult terrain. For overseas work, a second language is a distinct advantage as well as cultural awareness and communication skills.

The level of competition for entry varies, as recruitment is affected by oil price fluctuations. In the academic field, competition is fierce.

Many doctoral geophysicists may progress into management in time and their responsibilities will change accordingly.

Salary

Holders of doctoral qualifications may be offered higher starting salaries than graduates:

  • Range of typical starting salaries is around £24,000 - £30,000 with a postgraduate qualification (MSc or doctorate) (salary data collected April 2009)
  • Typical salary at senior level (after about six years), where the post holder is in charge of one or more major projects is £40,000 - £60,000 (salary data collected April 2009)
  • Salaries vary between industries. Salary levels will be approximately 10% - 30% higher in commercial companies, such as oil service companies.

Sector and disciplinary information

Sector information

Doctoral graduates from 2006-9 working in this occupation were known to be employed in the following profiled sectors six months after graduation:

Disciplinary background

The most common disciplinary backgrounds for doctoral graduates (2006-2009) entering geophysics were:

Career stories

None available

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