Research Assistant and PhD student
Published on: 04.05.2026
The University of Bonn is an international research university with a wide education and research profile. With a 200-year history, approximately 31,500 students, more than 6,000 staff, and an excellent reputation at home and abroad, the University of Bonn is one of the most important universities in Germany and is recognized as a university of excellence.
The Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformation, Chair "Space Geodesy", is looking for a temporary part-time position (75%) for a period of 3.5 years in accordance with § 2 (1) WissZeitVG
Research Assistant and PhD student
Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformation, Chair "Space Geodesy"
The Chair of “Space Geodesy” at the Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformation at the University of Bonn (U Bonn/IGG) is part of the new DFG-funded research unit RING: Rotations in Physics, Geophysics, and Geodesy that aims at pushing the limits of ring laser (RL) instruments and apply them in geodesy and geophysics. In project P3, U Bonn/IGG collaborates with the Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy (BKG), where we will combine the classical space geodetic techniques GNSS, SLR, VLBI, and the innovative RL data for improved Earth Orientation Parameters (EOPs) and assess their impact on important geodetic key products such as satellite orbits and geodetic reference frames.
This topic is of high scientific and societal relevance. The interdisciplinarity of the research group between physics and geodesy enables innovative and exciting tasks of the position.
Deadline:
May 31, 2026
Reference number:
2026/236
Working time model:
part-time (75%)
Duration:
Starting date
a period of 3.5 years
as soon as possible
Pay grade:
TV-L EG 13
Applications to:
Your tasks
- Collaboration in the project P3 “Mutual benefits of integrating ring laser into space geodetic data analysis for determining Earth rotation” with BKG and within the research group,
- Derive Earth Orientation Parameters (EOPs) with high temporal resolution consistently from space geodesy and RL data,
- Develop procedures for RL network simulations,
- Develop combination procedures of space geodetic and RL data,
- Evaluate the new EOPs from a rigorous combination of GNSS, SLR, VLBI, and RL data,
- Use and further development of the Bernese GNSS software,
- Publication and presentation of results in peer-reviewed scientific journals and at national and international conferences.
We offer
- Opportunity for further academic qualification (doctorate or habilitation),
- A salary based on the 13 TV-L scale with the usual social benefits of the public service sector, e.g., health insurance, maternity leave, vacation allowance of 30 days per year,
- Participation in the university-wide pension system (VBL),
- A varied and challenging position with one of the biggest employers in the area,
- Access to the extensive university sports program,
- Excellent access by public transport thanks to Bonn’s central location as well as the opportunity to take advantage of low-cost parking.
Your profile
- University degree (MSc, Diploma) in geodesy or a related field,
- Knowledge of space geodetic techniques and reference frames,
- Programming skills, preferably FORTRAN,
- Knowledge of scientific software packages and Unix/Linux operating systems is an advantage,
- Very good English skills, both written and spoken,
- Ability and willingness to work in a multidisciplinary and international team with appropriate communication skills,
- High motivation as well as a structured and independent way of working.
Diversity and equal opportunity
The University of Bonn promotes an open, respectful, and non-discriminatory academic culture and is actively committed to equal opportunity and family friendliness. We aim to eliminate structural disadvantages and to strengthen diversity in research, teaching, and administration. Therefore, we welcome all applications, regardless of ethnic or social background, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief, disability, or age.
Applications from women and people with a documented severe disability (or equivalent status) will be given preferential consideration in accordance with the State Equality Act (LGG) NRW and Social Code (SGB) IX.
