We propose a two-years postdoc opportunity in computational inverse problems in the context of the ERC-StG European project Incorwave which aims to develop advanced numerical and mathematical strategies for passive imaging. This postdoctoral position focuses on developing new inversion techniques for elastic media, where body waves play a critical role, and can be decomposed into Primary (P) waves (compressional) and Secondary (S) waves (shear). Traditional inversion methods treat these waves as coupled (working with the full displacement), but separating them offers significant potential to improve the accuracy of the inversion. The successful candidate will spearhead the development of cutting-edge methods and sophisticated software tools designed to efficiently compute P- and S- wave components. To achieve this, we will rely on Discontinuous Galerkin methods which are capable of handling complex discontinuities in the solutions, ensuring high-fidelity wave separation. Once the waves are decomposed, the successful candidate will lead the inversion process for the separated P- and S-wave components, and develop the appropriate strategy for optimal reconstructions. This will directly contribute to the project's overarching goal of improving passive seismic imaging. The research aims to provide more detailed and accurate subsurface characterizations, which are crucial for a wide range of applications, from geophysical exploration to monitoring subsurface processes.
