About us:

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at LMU covers the entire spectrum of geoscientific disciplines, including geology, paleontology and geobiology, magmatic petrology and volcanology, geomaterials and geophysics. In addition, there is close cooperation with the geoscience-oriented state collections and the geoscience subjects at the Technical University of Munich. This constellation, which is unique in Germany, is predestined for strongly interdisciplinary research and teaching in order to achieve and communicate in-depth scientific knowledge of planet Earth and its interrelationships in time, space and the future.
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) is seeking to fill a doctoral position in the field of magmatic petrology and volcanology as part of a DFG-funded Emmy Noether project starting in January 2026 (headed by Dr. Edgar Zorn). The project aims to investigate compaction processes of volcanic loose materials and their effects on surface deformations, changes in the physical and mechanical properties of loose materials, as well as their failure strengths and the stability of volcano flanks. The approach is interdisciplinary and specifically combines methods from field geology, remote sensing, laboratory-based petrophysics and numerical modelling.

We are looking for you:

PhD candidate in Geosciences - Volcanology (m/f/x)

in Munich

Your tasks and responsibilities:

• Compiling lithological and geodetic data on volcanoes with compacting deposits from current and past eruptions (particularly on the Canary Islands and Aeolian Islands) using field and remote sensing methods (satellites, drones, etc.)
• Sampling of loose materials and conducting systematic laboratory experiments to determine petrophysical and thermal properties (porosity, permeability, density, etc.) as well as compactability and shear strength using uni- and multi-axial presses
• Independent research activity with the aim of obtaining a scientific qualification in the form of a doctorate degree
• Active participation in field work and presentation of research results at international conferences
• Collaboration in a defined research context and publication of research results in international journals

Your qualifications:

• A master's degree in geosciences, geology, geophysics or a related subject
• High motivation for planning and carrying out independent research work as well as an independent, structured and responsible approach to work
• Basic knowledge of geoscientific and geospatial data processing is required
• Expertise and project experience in one or more of the following fields: volcanology, satellite remote sensing, photogrammetry, petrology/petrophysics
• Fluency in spoken and written English is required
• Experience with programming languages is desirable (e.g. Matlab, Python)
• Experience in scientific work in the field and/or in the laboratory is desirable
• Experience with drones and an EU licence (A1/A3) is desirable
• Experience in the publication of scientific literature is desirable

Benefits:

• Collaboration in a highly topical, socially relevant research project in the field of volcanology
• Opportunity for independent research, publication and further scientific qualification
• Flexible working conditions and involvement in the research and teaching activities of the Chair of Magmatic Petrology and Volcanology
• State-of-the-art workplace equipment and unique geoscience laboratories
• The position is for a fixed term of three years, with remuneration depending on qualifications up to E13 TV-L

People with disabilities who are equally as qualified as other applicants will receive preferential treatment.

Contact:

Please send your application documents (including a letter of motivation, CV, copies of degrees/certificates)

by 15th December 2025 via e-mail (ideally as a single PDF attachment including all documents) to e.zorn@lmu.de.

Interviews are expected to take place online in January 2026. Applications without a final degree certificate for the Master's Programme can be considered provided that the graduation criteria have already been met.

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