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 "SPACE-EYE: Spatial and Architectural Evidence from Movementaware Eye-tracking" at the earliest possible date. We are offering a fixed-term full-time position for 3 years. Full-time employees are required to teach 4 hours per week during the semester. The "SPACE-EYE" Project: This position is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and is based at the Spatial and Architectural Cognition Lab (http://SPARC.uni-muenster.de). "SPACE-EYE" investigates how movement through space shapes visual attention inside buildings. Current models of human-building interaction treat visual attention and movement as separate processes, leading to oversimplified insights that designers often disregard. This project integrates theories of visual attention with movement-based data to develop a computational framework that jointly models gaze behaviour and locomotion. The central question is: What impact does movement through space have on the visual attention measures used in human-building interactions? To answer this, we will run mobile eye-tracking studies: first in virtual reality and then in the physical setting of the motion-tracking OpenLab (https://uni.ms/ qt85n). In these experiments, we will systematically modify the trajectories that people walk in order to study how this changes what they pay attention to, for example, how late they notice a sign or what indoor landmark they focus on. Technically, the project will use mobile eye-tracking, virtual reality, motion tracking, and Bayesian statistical modelling.
Your tasks:
- Develop and conduct virtual reality-based and OpenLab-based empirical studies on the impact of walking trajectories on gaze behaviour
- Combine the methods for modelling movement through architectural space with methods for modelling visual attention (gaze behaviour)
- Create statistical models to analyse the results
- This position is tied to working towards a doctorate under the supervision of Prof. Krukar.
- This position also requires occasional travel to conferences and research partners.
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 are also invited to apply. The latest possible starting date is Summer 2026, and you must have your degree by then.
- Experience in one or more of the highlighted research methods is advantageous: computational modelling of visual attention, (mobile) eye-tracking, agent-based modelling of indoor walking trajectories, running experiments in virtual reality, or motion tracking for navigational behaviour.
- Experience in programming is desirable; a willingness to learn programming is required.
- Previous experience with statistical methods is desirable; a willingness to learn statistical methods is required.
- Experience working in an interdisciplinary team is advantageous.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English is essential. German language skills are not a requirement.
Advantages for you:
- The successful applicant 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 netsalary 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.
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.
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
If you have any questions, please contact Prof Jakub Krukar at krukar@uni-muenster.de (SPARC.uni-muenster.de).
Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 2026-02-28 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 interview in March/April. The expected starting date is May 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Reference number: 2026_01_18
