About us:

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. We are seeking a
Postdoctoral Researcher at Munich and the Geophysical Observatory Fürstenfeldbruck for Optimizing the 4-component ring laser array ROMY for geodesy and geophysics.
The position is part of the German 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 postdoc position will be central to the project with 14 PhD positions. On the technical side the position will oversee the technical upgrade of the worldwide unique four-component ring laser array ROMY at the Geophysical Observatory Fürstenfeldbruck, the development and extension of the entire data processing chain, stabilization of the observations, quality control, and provision of high-quality rotational motion data to the scientific community. The work will be done in close collaboration with the ring laser laboratory at the University Bonn, the Fundamentalstation Wettzell and all RING partner institutions. The successful candidate will also be involved in the organization of (training) workshops for the RING network as well as outreach activities. Experience with (laser-) optical methods and electronics is welcome.

We are looking for you:

Postdoctoral Researcher in Seismology (m/f/x)

in Geophysical Observatory Fürstenfeldbruck

Your tasks and responsibilities:

• Stabilization of the ring laser perimeter
• Stabilization of beam pointing
• Assessment of internal deformation
• Understanding the limits of heterolothic ringlasers for Earth System Science
• Autimated Quality control of ring laser data
• Optimize data provision to community
• Scientific analysis of data for geodesy and geophysics
• Develop strategies for ultra-precise ground motion monitoring (with view to gravitational wave detection facilities)

Your qualifications:

• PhD in Physics/Optics or an Earth science related topic
• Ability to work independently and within an interdisciplinary team
• Attention to detail and high level of critical thinking
• Strong interest in experimental physics/optics/laser optics
• Experience in Python programming is an advantage
• Proficiency in English language is essential

Benefits:

Fixed term contract for four years, salary according to DFG regulations (100% German TVL-E 13, Entgelttabelle des Tarifvertrags der Länder). In principle the RING project can be prolonged for another four years after review.
LMU offers an interdisciplinary environment with excellent opportunities for further training and development.
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 Alpes.
The position 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 interdisciplinary training programme.

Also possible in a part-time capacity.

Contact:

Complete applications must include a motivation letter (max one page), CV, and names of at least two referees.
Deadline for applications is 15.06.2026. Later applications may be considered until the position is filled. Please send your application to:

e-mail: heiner.igel@lmu.de

Prof. Dr. Heiner Igel
LMU Munich, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Theresienstrasse 41
80333 Munich, Germany

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