PhD Position in Physics of the Earth (f/m/d)

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. You will carry out 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 KIT. The PhD project will be carried out at the Geophysical Institute as a part of the Department of Physics at KIT. Supervisors will be Dr. Thomas Forbriger, Prof. Dr. Andreas Rietbrock and a member of the RING research unit external to KIT.

Your Tasks

As the successful candidate, you will develop deterministic, physics-based, quantitative models to compute the deformation of the Earth’s crust caused by atmospheric pressure loading. You will deploy and operate a large-N array of autonomous barometers around Black Forest Observatory (BFO). From the data thus obtained, combined with BFO’s high-quality deformation sensors, you will derive parametric descriptions of time-varying lateral air-pressure gradients. Building on this, you will develop models of how atmospheric loading couples into deformation of the Earth’s crust. The goal is a quantitative description enabling a signal-correction procedure that mitigates local background disturbances in rotation measurements. Such mitigation is essential wherever instruments installed on — and thus coupled to — the Earth’s crust read tiny signals normally masked by these disturbances, as in gravitational-wave observatories, normal-mode seismology, and Earth-orientation determination. You will follow the whole chain from array design and data collection, through coupling-model development, to the correction procedure’s application. Within the framework of RING, you will collaborate with 15 fellow early-career researchers, conduct measurements at partner sites, and supervise test installations of advanced rotation sensors at BFO. You will present your work at project meetings, international conferences, and in scientific papers. We expect you to be willing to develop your teaching skills by assisting with lectures and field courses within our Geophysics Bachelor and Master programs.

Links to additional information about:

• the extended PhD project description: https://www.black-forest-observatory.de/336.php
• the project at Black Forest Observatory: https://www.black-forest-observatory.de/325.php,
• the RING Research Unit: http://www.ringlaser.de,
• the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT): https://www.kit.edu/english/index.php,
• the Geophysical Institute at KIT: https://www.gpi.kit.edu/english/index.php

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, programming microcontrollers (MCUs) 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.

• Flexible Working Hours:

  Take advantage of flexible‑hours schemes, remote‑work options, and a 30‑day annual leave entitlement to achieve an optimal work‑life balance.

• 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.

• 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 and mental‑health programmes.

• 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), Other

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

Contract duration
3,5 years

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

Your application should include:

• cover letter including a statement of motivation and research interests (one page),
• curriculum vitae,
• copies of academic degrees and transcript of records,
• two contacts for a letter of recommendation,
• statements regarding project related skills and list of publications, if applicable.

At KIT we value the diversity of our employees; different perspectives and backgrounds enrich our work. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Applications from recognized severely disabled individuals are given preferential consideration when qualifications are equal.

Application up to: 2026-11-30
Job posting number: 1263/2026