Geophysical Data Processing Team Lead (0652U) - Berkeley Seismological Lab

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The Berkeley Seismological Laboratory (BSL) conducts essential research on earthquakes and solid earth processes while collecting and delivering high quality geophysical data. It provides robust earthquake and hazard information including real-time alerts to the public, in collaboration with our partners. It also enables the broad consumption of earthquake information by everyone while educating and training students at all levels and from all backgrounds.

BSL operates a large network of seismic and geodetic stations as well as DAS systems across northern California. These stations/systems stream data in real time to our data center on Campus, where data is processed, analyzed and archived for the purposes of earthquake monitoring, earthquake early warning and scientific research. The BSL also operates the MyShake application, which provides earthquake early warning alerts to the public in the West Coast of the US. This is a team supervisor position of the geophysical data processing and archiving team. It involves the development of advanced geophysical data processing software for earthquake monitoring, early warning and research applications.

This position applies advanced software and team management skills to the development of complex geophysical data processing software for earthquake monitoring, early warning and research applications.

The First Review Date for this job is: February 27, 2026 - Open Until Filled

30% Plans, designs, integrates, develops, tests, deploys, configures, operates, maintains and documents advanced geophysical data processing and archiving software for earthquake monitoring, early warning and research applications. This includes the processing of seismic, geodetic, distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), and citizen science data as well as developments in containerized and scalable cloud environments.

30% Manages team responsible for geophysical data processing, including definition of roles and responsibilities, technical guidance, ensuring that timelines are met, performance assessments, hiring, merits, incentives, promotions, reclassifications, complaint and grievance resolution.

10% Develops complex performance state-of-health monitoring and alerting solutions for all software developed and maintained by the team, with the overarching goal of delivering and archiving timely and high quality products for our partners and data users. Actively uses these tools to monitor in real time the performance of the systems maintained by the team.

10% Deploys software through continuous integration and deployment (CICD) pipelines, including extensive unit, integration, functional and end-to-end tests. Initiates and oversees changes in development, maintenance and operations of geophysical data processing software. Applies and enforces complex and secure programming practices.

10% Performs complex geophysical data analysis and tests of existing geophysical data processing software, in line with existing and future needs of the BSL. Analyzes and integrates new and complex types of datasets. Resolves complex technical issues with performance of real-time processing pipelines requiring in-depth understanding of the overall system.

10% Collaborates with external partners (e.g., state and federal seismic networks) to ensure technical compatibility and operational readiness. Produces and maintains detailed documentation for systems architecture, data flows, integration points, configuration, and operational procedures. Contributes subject-matter expertise to cross-functional engineering and research teams. Leads and participates in technical collaboration teams and working groups on geophysical data processing and archiving.

• Bachelor's degree in geophysics/computer science (or equivalent experience/training).
• Advanced knowledge on the design, development, testing, integration, configuration, operation and maintenance of complex geophysical processing, archiving and state-of-health monitoring software.
• Knowledge of C++ and Python programming languages and environments.
• Experience with CICD infrastructure.
• Experience with containerized and scalable cloud environments.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Experience managing a small technical team.
• Demonstrated ability to understand functional needs and how systems can support those needs. Demonstrated ability to develop conversion and system implementation plans.
• Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information to technical and non-technical personnel at various levels in the organization.
• Self-motivated, works independently, able to learn effectively and to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated complex problem-solving skills.

• Knowledge of seismic processing pipeline components, SeisComP and machine learning algorithms is desirable.
• Ph.D. in Geophysics/Computer Science.

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $110,000 to $150,000 yearly ($9,166.67 to $12,500.00 monthly); the full salary range for this title is $101,600 to $189,800 yearly. This is a 100% FTE career position eligible for full benefits. This position is FLSA Exempt and paid monthly.

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.