PhD Position in Geophysics (f/m/d) Part-time

Research Scientist Position

The position is funded by DFG within the 'Research Unit RING: Rotational Motions in Physics, Geophysics, and Geodesy' that aims at pushing the limits of ring laser instruments for Earth System science with applications in geodesy and geophysics.

Your Tasks

As the successful candidate you will deploy and operate a large-N array of autonomous barometers in the vicinity of Black Forest Observatory (BFO). From the such obtained data parametric descriptions of time-varying lateral gradients of air-pressure shall be derived. This should lead to the development of models of how atmospheric pressure loading on the Earths surface couples into deformation of the Earths crust. This ambitious approach shall result in a deterministic and quantitative description by which local background disturbances in rotation measurements can be mitigated through a signal correction procedure. You will be involved in the entire research process from conceptualizing the array and collecting the data through developing a coupling model to the final application of a correction procedure. Within the framework of RING you will occasionally conduct measurements at partner sites and supervise testinstallations of rotation sensors at BFO, which are developed by project partners. You will present your progress at project meetings and international conferences and in scientific papers. As the successful candidate you are expected to assist during lectures and field courses within our Geophysics Bachelor and Master programs.

You will carry your research within the project on 'Environmental effects on long-period rotational measurements' embedded in the working groups at BFO and at the Geophysical Institute (GPI) of the Department of Physics at KIT.

Your supervisors will be Prof. Dr. Andreas Rietbrock, Dr. Thomas Forbriger and a member of the RING research unit external to KIT.

Links to additional information about:

• the project at Black Forest Observatory,
• the RING Research Unit,
• the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), and
• the Geophysical Institute at KIT.

Your Profile

• You hold a Master's degree in geophysics, physics or a related discipline.
• You are eager to conduct independent research and have demonstrated your excellent skills in analyzing problems and developing solutions.
• Proficiency in computer based data analysis (specifically time series analysis) and programming (preferably Python) are expected.
• You are comfortable with carrying out field work and handling delicate measuring equipment.
• A driver's license is required.
• Experience in the fields of seismology, atmospheric dynamics, and/or elasticity theory are a definite plus.
• You are open minded and active and you have a good command of the English language.
• Knowledge of the German language can be an advantage.

We Offer

• Science for Impact: Engage with topics of societal relevance — in an excellent scientific environment that enables change.
• Career‑Building and Developmental Opportunities: We provide you with a structured onboarding program, a broad spectrum of continuing‑education options, and personalised support, thereby fostering your individual growth.
• Flexible Working Hours: Take advantage of flexible‑hours schemes, remote‑work options, part‑time models, and a 30‑day annual leave entitlement to achieve an optimal work‑life balance.
• Family-friendliness: The “KIT‑Family +” program assists you in reconciling work and family life by offering childcare services, holiday activities, a parent‑child office space, and assistance with caring for relatives.
• Stay Healthy: Under the motto “Fit at KIT – Body, Mind and Soul,” we promote your well‑being through fitness classes, mental‑health programmes, and regular preventive health examinations.
• Individualised Extra Benefits: Enjoy a corporate pension (VBL), a €25 monthly contribution toward a JobTicket BW, plus a broad selection of cultural and recreational programmes.

Job location: Karlsruhe (and Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen)

Salary: Salary category 13 TV-L; classification is based on personal and professional qualifications.

Contract duration: 3.5 years

Contact person in line-management: Dr. Thomas Forbriger thomas.forbriger@kit.edu +49 7836 2151

If you have general questions about the application process, please contact Raquel Carrasco Sanchez Personalservice (PSE) raquel.carrasco@kit.edu +49 721 608-42016

Application up to: 2026-07-01 Job posting number: 1136/2026