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Faculty of Geography and Geosciences :
Earthquake Processes
In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%) at the earliest possible date, we are looking for one
Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/x) for 3 years with 39.87 hours/week (100%, TV-L E13)
The Earthquake Processes working group at the Institute of Geosciences, Ruhr University Bochum, studies earthquake properties and their interactions with fault structure. We employ a combination of observational and numerical approaches to estimate earthquake source parameters, shallow velocity structure, and the influence fault structures on the source and statistical properties of earthquakes. We use a combination of seismic observations from traditional seismic networks and fiber-optic sensing on telecommunications cables to sense ground motion combined with computational and numerical techniques to study the physics of earthquakes.
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Earthquake Processes group. The candidate will have the opportunity to design their own cutting-edge research focusing on (but not limited to) the study of earthquakes, shallow velocity structure, and earthquake-fault interactions. They will have access to new data sets of Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) and seismic station data in western Greece acquired by the group from 2023 - present, as well as the opportunity to help design and implement upcoming data collection and research campaigns. The candidate will also have the opportunity to develop their own research and teaching profile, as well as have access to all computing and equipment infrastructure in the group to develop their own ideas for project proposals for future research. The ideal candidate will have a background in geophysics, seismology, or an equivalent field, and have a strong computational background.
Scope: full-time
Duration: fixed-term, 3 years
Start: at the earliest possible date
Apply by: 2026-09-14
Your tasks:
- Seismological and DAS data analysis with focus on implementing new analytical techniques
- Earthquake statistical and/or source parameter research with focus in western Greece
- Teaching and advising MSc courses related to seismotectonics and introductory Python programming
- Publication of scientific research in peer-reviewed journals
- Developing an independent research profile through submission of scientific proposals to third-party funding agencies
Your profile:
Required qualifications:
- PhD degree in geophysics, seismology, or equivalent
- Experience in seismic data analysis
- Strong computational skills
- Experience in Linux operating systems and programming in Python, Matlab
- Proficient scientific English skills (spoken and written
Desired qualifications:
- Willingness to acquire skills relevant to the latest technological developments in DAS seismology
- Willingness to work in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment
- Willingness to participate in a small amount of fieldwork
- Knowledge in physics, mathematics, and statistics
- Excellent organizational skills
- Ability to achieve analytical goals together with colleagues (Teamwork skills)
We offer:
- Challenging and varied tasks with a high degree of personal responsibility.
- Opportunity to make an innovative contribution.
- A modern, equipped workplace.
- Structured supervision and extensive training opportunities.
- Flexible and family-friendly working hours.
- A qualified onboarding process.
- An inclusive, supportive, and forward-thinking research culture.
- The chance to carry out international joint research with collaborators in Italy, Greece, Canada, and the USA
Further information:
The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L.
Further information can be found at (in German).
The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.
The load of teaching will be calculated according to § 3 of Lehrverpflichtungsverordnung (state of North Rhine-Westphalia).
RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees.
German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/daf/mitarbeitende/index.html.en
The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact wpr@rub.de.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.
Contact persons for further information:
Prof. Dr. Rebecca Harrington , Tel.: +49 234 32 23297
Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.
We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2026-09-14. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 6034.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
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