Doctoral Researcher (PhD Position) in geodesy

Position-ID : 1770

Faculty / Facility :

Aerospace Engineering and Geodesy

Institute / Facility :

Aerospace Engineering and Geodesy : GIS – Institute of Geodesy

Research Association :

N / A

Teaching Obligation :

No

Application deadline :

10 / 31 / 2025

Anticipated Start Date :

01 / 01 / 2026

About Us

For the DFG-funded project Mitigating the Impact of Ocean Sound Speed Variations on Wave Glider-based GNSS-Acoustic Surveys the Institute of Geodesy (GIS) University of Stuttgart invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher (PhD Position) in geodesy (100% FTE TV-L E13).

The University of Stuttgart represents outstanding world-renowned research and first-class teaching in one of Europes most dynamic industrial regions. As a reliable employer the university supports and promotes the academic careers of its researchers. It is proud of its employees who currently come from over 120 different countries. The university is a partner for knowledge and technology transfer and focuses on multidisciplinarity.

We offer a full-time position for 3 years (with the possibility of extension) as academic staff with the opportunity of pursuing a PhD degree at the Institute of Geodesy University of Stuttgart. The preferred starting date is 1st Jan. 2026.

Your Tasks

The GNSS-Acoustic (GNSS-A) seafloor geodesy technique ties together GNSS kinematic positioning of a sea-surface vehicle with precise acoustic ranging to seafloor transponders. This enables the calculation of absolute positions for seafloor transponders with cm-scale accuracy.

The possibility of making GNSS-A measurements using Wave Glider unmanned surface vehicles is revolutionizing seafloor geodetic research. Taking full advantage of this technological advance for seafloor geodesy requires that the issue of sound speed variations be comprehensively addressed. This project will determine the most effective mitigation techniques to minimize the impacts of processes that perturb ocean sound speed on the accuracy of GNSS-Acoustic positioning solutions. The project will focus on the particular case of GNSS-A surveys performed by Wave Glider unmanned surface vehicles where the slow underway speed constrains our ability to capture geometrically well-distributed sets of observations within the typical times periods of some of the oceanographic processes that most impact sound speed.

We are searching for an enthusiastic and committed researcher with a keen interest in seafloor geodesy and Earth monitoring to undertake this project. The successful candidate will be part of our international and interdisciplinary team at the Institute of Geodesy University of Stuttgart.

Your Profile

• A masters degree or equivalent in geodesy remote sensing computer science mathematics physics or related fields with an emphasis on Earth observation and data science.
• Advanced computer literacy programming skills and scientific computation (e.g. Python MATLAB CC).
• Strong analytical and statistical skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills (e.g. CEFR level B2 or C1).
• Excellent teamwork skills.

Your Benefits

• Cutting-edge research project providing outstanding doctoral topics and excellent practical and theoretical training in an emerging field of geodetic research.
• Use of the University of Stuttgart GNSS-A Wave Glider and participation in national and international collaborations with GNSS-A missions.
• Excellent training program for scientific and transferable skills providing all necessary skills for a successful career in academia or industry.
• Friendly cooperative and stimulating working environment.

Employment and compensation information

Maximal Funding Period or Duration of Employment : 36 months

Type of Funding : External Funding (employment with an external company)

Compensation : Percentage of weekly working hours (usually 39.5h 100%) : 100

Employment at the cooperation partner :

Location : Stuttgart Campus City Center

If Location other than Stuttgart or additional location(s) : N / A

Contact Details

Contact person : Prof. James Foster

Mail : Phone : 49 9

Website : Not translated in selected language

Key Skills

Intelligence Community Experience,Python,Spss,Microsoft Word,R,Regression Analysis,Windows,Stata,Microsoft Powerpoint,Research Experience,Data Modeling,Writing Skills

Employment Type : Full Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1