The Institute of Geoinformatics at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill the position of a
Doctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in, salary level E 13 TV-L, 100%)
for the externally funded project "In-and-Out: A cognitively-grounded integration of indoor and outdoor spatial computing" at the earliest possible date. We are offering a fixed-term full-time position for 3 years. The "In-and-Out" Project This position is funded through a bilateral collaboration programme between the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the French National Research Agency (ANR) and is based at the Spatial and Architectural Cognition Lab (http://SPARC.uni-muenster.de). "In-and-Out" aims to integrate indoor and outdoor spatial computing with cognitive research. Over the last decade, indoor and outdoor spatial computing - previously developed in isolation - has been integrated on the technical level. However, cognitive research has not followed this change. For example, wayfinding systems work indoors and outdoors but they do not change the type of support they provide based on the indoor/outdoor context and they do not consider outdoor information that is visible from inside the building. This project plans to develop two prototypes: a personal wayfinding support app (in Münster) and an architectural design support system (at our partner institution Télécom Paris) that will consider both indoor and outdoor information in an integrated manner. In the first phase of the project, we will develop empirical virtual reality experiments and collect currently unavailable data on how people's self-localisation is affected by (a) walking across indoor and outdoor spaces and (b) viewing outdoor information from inside buildings. In the second phase, we will implement newly created Bayesian statistical models into a wayfinding system prototype and evaluate it in a user study.
Your tasks:
- Collaborate with the project partners (Prof Mavros at Télécom Paris) to lay the foundations of the cognitive integration of indoor-outdoor navigation
- Develop and conduct virtual reality-based empirical studies on human experience of transitioning between indoor and outdoor spaces, as well as on using outdoor information to orient indoors
- Create statistical models to analyse the results and inform the design of a wayfinding system prototype
- Develop and evaluate a wayfinding system prototype supporting users in self-localisation across indoor and outdoor spaces
- this position is tied to working towards a doctorate under the supervision of Prof Krukar (Münster) and Prof Mavros (Paris)
- the position requires occasional travel to Paris and co-organisation of two academic workshops
Our expectations:
- An academic degree (Master of Science) in geoinformatics, psychology, architecture, computer science, HCI, or a related discipline is required. Participants close to finishing their degree (<2 months) are also invited to apply.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English is necessary in this international project. German language skills are not a requirement.
- Experience in one or more of the highlighted research methods is advantageous.
- Experience in programming is desirable, a willingness to learn is required.
- Previous experience with statistical methods is desirable, willingness to learn is required.
- Experience in working in an interdisciplinary team is advantageous
Advantages for you:
- You will join an interdisciplinary project with exceptional opportunities to learn a diverse range of methods from a dynamic interdisciplinary team of collaborators.
- If you have family members or young children in your care, our Family Service Office offers concrete support to help you balance your private and professional responsibilities.
- As an educational institution, we are deeply committed to offering occupational training and continuing education opportunities tailored to your individual needs.
- From A – Z, Aikido to Zumba, our sport and health programmes ensure a healthy work-life balance.
- As a university employee, you are entitled to numerous benefits afforded to public servants, e.g. an attractive company pension scheme (VBL), an annual end-of-year bonus and a position that is shielded from economic fluctuations. The exact monthly nett salary depends on a number of factors, such as your tax class, but starts at around €2100.
- You will be based in Münster - a cycling-oriented, green, mid-sized city with vibrant student scene and very high quality of life. Our English-speaking Institute for Geoinformatics is home to 5 research labs, a highly international mix of students and employees, and state-of-the-art research infrastructure. Dusseldorf Airport can be reached via a direct train in 90 min.
Application procedure:
- The following documents must be included in the application:
- a motivation letter
- a detailed CV (without picture)
- transcripts of bachelor’s and master’s degrees
- proof of English proficiency (e.g. an English certificate, proof of a degree or a course completed in English)
- if available, please also include links to publicly visible output of your previous work, such as code repositories
- Please note that the other project partner will be involved in the selection process and that your documents will be passed on to the other members of the In-and-Out project in this context.
The University of Münster strongly supports equal opportunity and diversity. We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions. Part-time options are generally available.
We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.
If you have any questions, please contact Prof Jakub Krukar at krukar@uni-muenster.de (SPARC.unimuenster.de)
Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 2024-11-30.as a single PDF file at ifgi.office@uni-muenster.de-
Please note that we cannot consider other file formats. Selected candidates will be invited to an online or in-person interviews in December. The expected starting date is February 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter
Reference number: 2024_10_33
