LIAG-Institut für Angewandte Geophysik, Stilleweg 2, 30655 Hannover

Homepage: https://www.liag-institut.de

The LIAG INSTITUTE FOR APPLIED GEOPHYSICS (LIAG) is looking for you. Starting at the earliest possible date, we are offering a position with 100% of the regular weekly working time until 31^st March 2028, possibly with the option of an extension, as

Research Scientist (m/f/d)

EG 14 TV-L

Reference: G 23/25 ‘GeoMetEr – 3D-Seismic/VSP’

LIAG investigates both structures and processes in the Earth's uppermost crust by deploying complementary geophysical methods and by combining application-oriented and basic research. In this context, LIAG is participating in the research project "GeoMetEr", in which, among other studies, geophysical methods are being tested and further developed for the future exploration of a repository site for high-level radioactive waste. To ensure a multi-methodical approach, five university and non-university research institutions as well as four geoscientific industrial partners are cooperating in this project. GeoMetEr is funded by the Bundesgesellschaft für Endlagerung (BGE; federal company for radioactive waste disposal). It pursues a combination of ground-based and aerogeophysical methods; the results obtained will also be verified by drillings and borehole experiments.

Your tasks:

You will use, evaluate and further develop seismic methods to investigate the overburden of an exemplary host rock in a study area that has already been excluded as a site for a final repository. Special focus is placed on the geoscientific requirements and criteria for a repository site, as defined in the site selection procedure. As part of the team, you will first process and interpret existing 3D shear-wave reflection seismic data; if necessary, this will be complemented by additional 2D measurements. With regard to data processing, established and modern approaches will be evaluated to make recommendations on the exploration strategy in combination with other methods used in the project (magnetics, EM). You will then carry out VSP measurements (e.g., walk-away, 3D) in the planned borehole and analyse the data. Conventional receivers and fibre optic cables (DAS) will be used for this purpose. The results of the research project must be reported and published regularly.

Required qualifications and experience:

• University degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Geophysics, Physics, Geosciences with a focus on Geophysics, or a comparable field
• Experience in applied seismic reflection methods with a focus on data processing (preferably 3D land seismic data)
• Good programming skills (e.g. Python, Matlab)
• Ability to conduct interdisciplinary research
• Experience in the documentation and publication of scientific results
• Willingness and aptitude for short measurement campaigns (sustained activities under varying weather conditions, handling of loads of up to 25 kg, problem-solving under time pressure)
• Good knowledge of English (at least comparable to level B2 GER)
• Independent, structured way of working and ability to work in a team

Ideally, you also fulfil the following requirements:

• PhD, preferably in a field of seismic reflection methods
• Knowledge in multi-component seismic technologies
• Experience in performing and analysing VSP measurements, preferably with DAS systems
• Experience in the designing of seismic measurements, including permitting procedures
• Experience with professional processing systems, such as PROMAX, REVEAL
• Knowledge of full waveform inversion (FWI) and / or seismic modelling
• Experience in the application of other geophysical methods (magnetics, EM)
• Knowledge of GIS, for example ArcGIS or QGIS
• Experience in the implementation of research projects
• Driving licence category B

We offer:

The LIAG Institute for Applied Geophysics enjoys an excellent reputation both nationally and internationally. The institute is characterised by an excellent infrastructural integration into the GEOZENTRUM Hannover, state-of-the-art and high-performance equipment (IT, laboratory, field) as well as a strong network and a friendly, professional and collegial working environment. LIAG promotes the further education and training of its staff.

The place of work is Hanover. The position is classified in pay group 14 of the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states (TV-L), taking into account § 40 No. 5 TV-L for the step allocation.

Applications from people of all nationalities are welcome, regardless of their origin, gender, religion or ideology, disability, age or sexual identity. The LIAG also pursues the goal of professional equality between women and men. We therefore particularly welcome applications from women in this area. Within the framework of flexible working hours, we offer you a responsible and varied job that is also suitable for part-time employees and as a return to work, e.g. after parental leave. However, a position with at least 80 % working hours is required.

LIAG endeavours to increase the proportion of severely disabled people and will therefore give them preferential consideration if they are equally qualified.

Please send your electronic application with cover letter, CV and proof of scientific achievements relevant to the advertised position (PDF with max. 10 MB) to Prof. Dr. Gerald Gabriel at career-LIAG@liag-institut.de by 09.01.2026, quoting Reference G 23/25 ‘GeoMetEr – 3D-Seismic/VSP’. Further information on LIAG can be found on the Internet at www.liag-institut.de. For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Gerald Gabriel on 0511/643-3510 or by e-mail at Gerald.Gabriel@liag-institut.de.

Please send your electronic application with cover letter, CV and proof of scientific achievements relevant to the advertised position (PDF with max. 10 MB) to Prof. Dr. Gerald Gabriel at career-LIAG@liag-institut.de by 09.01.2026, quoting Reference G 23/25 ‘GeoMetEr – 3D-Seismic/VSP’. Further information on LIAG can be found on the Internet at www.liag-institut.de. For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Gerald Gabriel on 0511/643-3510 or by e-mail at Gerald.Gabriel@liag-institut.de.