3 year PhD position

The project is Part of the DFG funded RING research group. The focus of this part is at developing, calibrating and testing transportable ring laser sensors for rotational measurements in geophysics.

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (Geophysics Section) at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany, is seeking applications from enthusiastic students for a position at PhD candidate level for the DFG funded project

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RING – P2: Transportable high-performance rotation sensors

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The project is part of the RING research group that aims at pushing the limits of ring laser instruments for applications in Earth System science with applications in geodesy and geophysics. The focus of part P2 is at developing, calibrating and testing transportable ring laser sensors for rotational measurements in geophysics. The successful PhD candidate will work at the interface between sensor developers (laser optics) and users (seismology, geophysics). A strong interdisciplinary collaboration with the project partners University of Hamburg, Helmut-Schmidt University and University of Bonn is required. Research questions include: How close to the fundamental performance limitations of optical gyroscopes can we get with a transportable sensor and how can we assess its performance characteristics? The PhD position is primarily based at the Geophysical Observatory Fürstenfeldbruck.

Your tasks:

  • Develop test protocols and standards for high-performance rotation sensors

  • Performance characterization and calibration of the developed prototype.

  • First field experiments with seismological background.

  • Making a geophysical instrument out of a laboratory grade prototype.

  • Communicate and publish project results in project meetings, international journals and conferences.

Your background and skills:

  • MSc in Physics or 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.

Our offer:

  • LMU offers an interdisciplinary environment with excellent opportunities for further training and development.

  • Fixed term contract for 3 years, salary according to DFG regulations (75% German TVL-E 13).

  • LMU Munich is interested in increasing the number of female employees and encourages women to apply. Persons with disabilities are given preference if they are otherwise essentially equally suitable.

  • Flexible, family friendly working time models (e. g. remote work is possible) in the center of the attractive and vibrant city of Munich close to the Alps.

The PhD is embedded in a large research group with in total 14 PhD positions at several German institutions in physics, geophysics, and geodesy with a strong joint training programme.

Complete applications must include a statement of research interests (one page), CV, publication list, and names and addresses of at least two referees. Deadline for applications is June 15, 2026. Later applications may be considered until the position is filled. Applications should be sent to: Dr. Felix Bernauer, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, LMU Munich, Theresienstrasse 41, 80333 Munich, Germany

e-mail: felix.bernauer@lmu.de