PhD Position in Geophysics (f/m/d)

Einleitung

The position is funded by DFG within the 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.

Aufgaben

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: 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

Profil

• 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.

Abschluss

Your application should include:

• cover letter including a statement of 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.