PhD student to improve detection algorithms for volcanic eruption early warning based on fiber-optic sensing data from Iceland

Building on a recent breakthrough published in Science (Li et al., 2025), Iceland has become the first country to operate a real-time volcanic eruption early warning system based on Low-Frequency Distributed Acoustic Sensing (LFDAS). Since January 2025, this system has been integrated into 24/7 operations at the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO), issuing warnings for all eruptions at the Sundhnúksgígar crater row at least 30–40 minutes in advance and with no false alarms.

The current detection approach is intentionally simple, and there is significant room for improvement. The PhD student will develop and test more robust and sensitive detection methods, including spatially matched filters and STA/LTA approaches, evaluated against multiple eruption scenarios. The work will start with the existing dataset from the Reykjanes Peninsula and progressively extend to other volcanic centers on the peninsula and to remote Icelandic volcanoes with limited observational history.

The work involves processing and analyzing large DAS datasets on the IREI computing infrastructure, developing synthetic tests to quantify detection performance, and working in close collaboration with the Iceland Meteorological Office and with US partners at Caltech and Stanford University.

The project is funded by the Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education.

The duration is three years, and the start date could be as early as autumn 2026, but the starting date is negotiable.

Requirements

• MSc in geophysics, seismology or a closely related field
• Strong programming skills, preferably in Python
• Background in signal processing or time-series analysis is a plus
• Experience with seismic or DAS data is an advantage
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English

Applications

Applications should be submitted via the university's online application system and must include a CV and a cover letter stating why you are interested in this project and how your background might make you the right person for the job. Potential starting date, as well as contact information for two references (names, institutional addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers) will be requested.

For further details, contact Dr. Vala Hjörleifsdóttir, Associate Professor, Department of Engineering (valah@ru.is). The review of applications is underway, but new applications will be accepted until September 21, 2026.

About Reykjavik University (RU)

Reykjavík University has around 3.700 students and 300 faculty and employees in addition to numerous adjunct faculty in two schools: Technology and Social Sciences. We offer a welcoming and stimulating environment in which to work and live. The University is centrally located in Reykjavík, the capital city of Iceland. The role of Reykjavik University is to create and disseminate knowledge to enhance the competitiveness and quality of life for individuals and society, guided by good ethics, sustainability, and responsibility. Education and research at RU are based on strong ties with industry and society. We emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, international relations, and entrepreneurship.

About Iceland

Iceland is well known for its breathtaking natural beauty, with volcanoes, hot springs, lava fields and glaciers offering a dramatic landscape. It consistently ranks as one of the best places in the world to live. It offers a high quality of life and is one of the safest places in the world, with high gender equality and strong healthcare and social support systems. Reykjavik is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that provides an ideal environment for combining cultural and family activities with an active lifestyle.