PhD Position (f/m/d) in Applied Geosciences: Pattern recognition in DAS data at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) – Germany

Summary

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) offers a three‑year PhD position in Applied Geosciences focused on pattern recognition in Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) data. The project, part of the RUBADO initiative, aims to develop machine‑learning methods for detecting and classifying seismic signals to improve monitoring of geothermal reservoirs and induced seismicity. Candidates will handle data acquisition, preprocessing, labelled‑dataset creation, model development, validation, and integration into monitoring workflows. The role includes fieldwork, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a structured onboarding program with flexible working hours, family‑friendly services, health programmes, a corporate pension, and cultural benefits. Applications require a master’s degree, programming skills, and experience in big‑data or machine‑learning analysis.

Key Facts

Department	Institute of Applied Geosciences (AGW)
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Applied Geosciences
Research Area	Pattern recognition in DAS data
Degree Required	Master's degree
Experience	Proven experience in big data analysis and/or machine learning
Contract Duration	3 years
Required Documents	motivation letter (max. 2 pages), CV with publications, transcripts of academic records, contact details of two referees
Employer Contact	Dr. Emmanuel Gaucher ([email protected]), Dr. Jérôme Azzola ([email protected]), Raquel Carrasco Sanchez ([email protected], +49 721 608-42016)

About the Project

The RUBADO project (BMWE, FKZ 03EE4076A) deploys Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) on dark‑fiber telecommunication lines across the Upper Rhine Graben to monitor geothermal reservoirs and induced seismicity. By converting optical fibers into dense seismic arrays, the project generates large volumes of seismic data that require automated processing. The PhD research will develop, implement, and validate machine‑learning workflows to detect, classify, and interpret seismic and anthropogenic signals, enhancing near‑real‑time monitoring and subsurface imaging capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect and organize datasets acquired within the RUBADO project
• Perform multi‑domain analysis of DAS waveforms and develop robust pre‑processing workflows
• Build and curate a labelled dataset through manual inspection and expert annotation
• Develop and implement machine‑learning and deep‑learning models for signal classification
• Benchmark model performance against independent geophone data and existing catalogs
• Integrate the processing pipeline into the RUBADO framework for seismic monitoring

Required Skills

• Master's degree in Geophysics, Physics, Computational Earth Sciences, Mathematics or related field
• Strong background in seismology and signal processing
• Strong programming skills (Python, MATLAB, C/C++)
• Proven experience in big data analysis and/or machine learning
• Interest in geothermal applications
• Enthusiasm for fieldwork and interdisciplinary collaboration

Who Should Apply

Applicants should hold a master’s degree in geophysics, physics, computational earth sciences, mathematics or a related discipline, possess a strong background in seismology and signal processing, and be proficient in programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or C/C++. Proven experience with big‑data analysis or machine learning, interest in geothermal applications, and willingness to engage in fieldwork and interdisciplinary teamwork are essential.

Benefits

• Flexible working hours and remote‑work options
• 30‑day annual leave entitlement
• KIT‑Family+ program with childcare services, holiday activities, parent‑child office space, and relative‑care assistance
• Fit at KIT programme offering fitness classes and mental‑health programmes
• Corporate pension (VBL)
• €25 monthly contribution toward a JobTicket BW
• Access to cultural and recreational programmes

About the Employer

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is a leading research university in Germany. The Institute of Applied Geosciences (AGW) hosts the PhD position within its Applied Geosciences department, focusing on innovative seismic monitoring technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the contract length?

The contract duration is 3 years.

Where is the position located?

The job is based in Karlsruhe (and Eggenstein‑Leopoldshafen), Germany.

How many referees' contact details are required?

You must provide contact details of two referees.

Who can I contact for general application questions?

Raquel Carrasco Sanchez ([email protected], +49 721 608-42016) handles general queries.

What documents must be submitted?

Submit a single PDF containing a motivation letter, CV with publications, transcripts, and two referees' contact details.