Funding programme: Ayudas para contratos predoctorales para la formación de doctores (PIF 2025)
PIs: Valentí Sallarès, Rafael Bartolomé
1. Project Description
DESTINY (Detailed Structure and Inter-plate Geometry of the Ecuadorian Subduction System) aims to understand how variations in rock rigidity and fault roughness influence megathrust earthquake dynamics and tsunami generation. Building on previous award-winning studies by our group (Nature, Ciutat de Barcelona Award 2020), the project will apply advanced seismic imaging and 3D tomography modelling (JRRTTT) developed by our research team to image the Ecuadorian subduction zone with unprecedented resolution.
The research integrates seismic imaging, rupture modelling, and tsunami simulations to investigate the role of geological heterogeneity in controlling earthquake rupture and tsunami potential. DESTINY is an international collaboration involving institutions from Spain, France (Géoazur), Germany (GEOMAR, LMU Munich), and Ecuador (IG-EPN, INOCAR), contributing to global efforts within the UNESCO Ocean Decade and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
2. The Offer
We offer a fully funded PhD position under the PIF 2025 program (Ayudas para contratos predoctorales para la formación de doctors, former FPI), based at the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC) in Barcelona.
Start date: Between January and March 2026
Salary: ~19,000 € (1st year) and ~23,500 € (2nd–4th years) gross annual
Duration: 3–4 years
Location: ICM-CSIC, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37–49, Barcelona, Spain
The selected student will participate in oceanographic campaigns, perform seismic data analysis, and conduct international research stays at Géoazur (France) and LMU Munich (Germany). The training includes advanced seismic imaging and 3D tomography modelling, earthquake rupture analysis, and tsunami hazard assessment, leading to high-impact publications and presentations at major conferences (EGU, AGU).
3. Candidates
Applicants should hold a degree in Geology, Geophysics, Physics, Marine Sciences, or a related discipline, and a Master’s degree (preferably in Geophysics) by the time of enrollment.
Desirable skills:
• Programming and data analysis
• Strong written and oral communication in English
• Experience in geophysics, seismology, or marine sciences
Applications must include a CV and a motivation letter describing the candidate’s research interests and motivation for pursuing this project. Please send your application to rafael@icm.csic.es before the official deadline.
4. Our Team
The Barcelona Center for Subsurface Imaging (BCSI) at ICM-CSIC is an internationally recognized group specializing in the acquisition, processing, and modeling of marine geophysical data, particularly controlled-source seismics. Our team combines strong expertise with a collaborative, international environment that provides outstanding conditions for doctoral training.
ICM-CSIC, a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence, is Spain’s leading marine research institute and one of the most multidisciplinary centers in Southern Europe. Our mission is to develop excellent and socially relevant ocean science, aligned with the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030).
For more information, visit: https://www.icm.csic.es/es/grupo-investigacion/barcelona-center-subsurface-imaging