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Bayi Glacier in Qilian Mountain, China (Credit: Xiaoming Wang, distributed via imaggeo.egu.eu)

Job advertisement PhD candidate in Seismology

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PhD candidate in Seismology

Position
PhD candidate in Seismology

Employer
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Geophysical Observatory of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München logo

Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Geophysical Observatory of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Geophysical Observatory of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München are leading geophysical research institutions in Europe as well as worldwide.

Homepage: https://www.geophysik.uni-muenchen.de/en/welcome-to-the-geophysics-homepage


Location
Munich, Germany

Sector
Academic

Relevant division
Seismology (SM)

Type
Part time

Level
Student / Graduate / Internship

Salary
75% of TV-L 13 (German)

Required education
Master

Application deadline
31 December 2025

Posted
19 November 2025

Job description

We are seeking a Seismologist at PhD candidate level in Munich and our Observatory in Fürstenfeldbruck for the DFG funded project KAROS - Investigation of the Kefalonia Fault Zone using seismic wavefield analyses: seismicity, amphibious array measurements, local gradients, and rotations.

KAROS is part of the DFG priority program DEFORM which focuses on plate deformation and geohazards in the eastern margin of the Adriatic plate. It is a joint project from LMU Munich, CAU Kiel and GEOMAR Kiel. The focus area of KAROS is the Kefalonia Transform Fault Zone (KTFZ), one of the most active strike-slip fault zones in Europe.

With a first of its kind amphibious experiment (involving off- and on-shore seismic stations) KAROS aims at gaining new insights about the crustal deformation and structural properties of the KTFZ. Direct and array derived wavefield gradient observations with gradiometry and Helmholtz tomography using ambient noise and earthquake data will be used to improve our knowledge about the local shear-wave velocity structure and the seismicity along the KTFZ.

Your tasks and responsibilities:

  • Being an active member of a young research group developing leading edge science (6C seismology)
  • Help planning, installing and dismantling 6C stations and small-scale arrays on Kefalonia Island
  • 6C and broadband seismic data quality control
  • 6C and array seismic data processing
  • Seismic data analysis and interpretation (e.g. seismicity catalog, source parameter determination, anisotropy from 6C amplitude ratios, Helmholtz tomography)
  • Communicate and publish project results in project meetings, international journals and conferences

Your qualifications:

  • MSc in an Earth science related topic
  • Ability to work independently and within a team
  • Attention to detail and high level of critical thinking
  • Experience with seismological field work is highly appreciated
  • Experience in Python programming is an advantage
  • Proficiency in English language is essential

Benefits:

  • LMU offers an interdisciplinary environment with excellent opportunities for further training and development
  • Fixed term contract for three years 75%
  • TV-L E 13
  • LMU Munich is interested in increasing the number of female employees and encourages women to apply
  • Flexible, family friendly working time models (e. g. Home Office ) in the center of the attractive and vibrant city of Munich close to the Alpes

People with disabilities who are equally as qualified as other applicants will receive preferential treatment.

More information can be found on our web page.


How to apply

Complete applications must include a motivation letter (max. one page), CV, and two recommendation letters.

Deadline for applications is 31.12.2025.

Please send your application to: felix.bernauer@lmu.de

Dr. Felix Bernauer
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
LMU Munich
Theresienstrasse 41
80333 Munich
Germany