Doctoral Researcher (PhD Position) in geodesy (100% FTE, TV-L E13)

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 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. The successful candidate will be part of our international and interdisciplinary team at the Institute of Geodesy, University of Stuttgart.

The University of Stuttgart represents outstanding, world-renowned research and first-class teaching in one of Europe’s 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 application should be either mailed to the address below, or sent via Email, with a subject line “GNSSA_Job_01”, by 31. Oct, 2025, to: . The following items should be provided as single pdf (no larger than 10 MB) in the corresponding order:

1. Letter of motivation with a brief description of qualifications, research background, and why you are interested in the position (max. 1 page)
2. CV including a publication list (if applicable)
3. Title and summary of M.Sc. Thesis (max. 2 pages, provide also if thesis is not yet finished)
4. Scan of degree diplomas (English or German)
5. Transcript of records (courses and grades, English or German)