Research Associate for the Project “Seismic Interferometry of Rotations: Wavefields and Sources” in the research unit RING: Rotations in Physics, Geophysics, and Geodesy § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG
InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Earth System Sciences, Geophysics
Salary level
Start date01.08.2026, fixed for a period of 3.5 years (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).
Application deadline01.07.2026
Scope of workpart-time
Weekly hours75 % of standard work hours per week
Your responsibilities
Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue further academic qualifications outside of their work responsibilities. They may also pursue doctoral studies outside of working duties.
The position is part of the project “High precision ground motion, imaging, and monitoring with rotational motions" and belongs to the research unit “RING: Rotations IN Physics, Geophysics, and Geodesy”, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The RING research unit aims at establishing next-generation ring laser gyroscopes (RLGs) as key instruments for geodesy, physics and geophysics, enabling high-precision measurements of Earth’s rotation on both global and local scales, including seismic rotation sensing and applications thereof. The successful candidate for this position can pursue a doctoral degree in Geophysics at the University of Hamburg, and will join the RING research unit.
Within the project “Seismic Interferometry of Rotations: Wavefields and Sources", we will advance seismic interferometry by developing and applying 6 degrees-of-freedom (6 DoF) methods to characterize seismic sources, estimate correlation wavefields, and quantify their composition. The research will leverage data from ring lasers and portable 6 DoF sensors to introduce a new methodological framework for Earth imaging and monitoring. Responsibilities include designing and validating novel correlation wavefield fingerprinting techniques that exploit all 36 cross-components of 6 DoF data, performing source characterization of dominant noise sources such as ocean microseisms and urban noise using 6 DoF simulations and field data, and developing a software toolbox to standardize and disseminate these methods. The position will also contribute to the deployment and analysis of Array-of-Array (AoA) experiments at the Wettzell ring laser site and the DESY campus in Hamburg, generating 6 DoF datasets to test and validate interferometric methods and demonstrate their potential for large-scale structural imaging, subsurface monitoring, and noise discrimination.
The position will be situated in the seismology group at the institute of Geophysics of the University of Hamburg. The group specializes in ambient noise seismology and the use of innovative seismic instrumentation. Their research focuses on understanding seismic noise sources, monitoring structural changes in Earth materials and beyond. They apply advanced sensors to investigate the near subsurface and use environmental seismology to monitor environmental processes.
Your profile
A university degree in a relevant field.
We welcome applications from candidates who meet the following requirements:
Essential skills and qualifications:
Prior experience in several of the following fields is beneficial:
Experience with seismic interferometry, array methods, numerical simulation, rotational seismology, fieldwork involving seismic instrumentation, open-source scientific software development or contribution
Outstanding candidates will bring a high, intrinsic motivation, individual responsibility, creative scientific thinking and extensive social and team skills.
We offer
Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.
The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.
The University of Hamburg strives to increase the number of women in academia, and encourages qualified female academics to apply.
Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.