43,000 students and 8,000 employees in teaching, research and administration, all working together to shape perspectives for the future – that is the University of Münster. Embedded in the vibrant atmosphere of Münster with its high standard of living, the University’s diverse research profile and attractive study programmes draw students and researchers throughout Germany and from around the world.
The Institute for Geoinformatics (ifgi) is an internationally well-connected institute that conducts interdisciplinary research and teaching in geoinformatics. It offers its diverse and multicultural staff and students a tolerant, cooperative and excellent working and learning environment. Principles such as open science, sustainability and social impact play an important role in research, teaching and transfer here. The "situated computing lab" working group researches methods and technologies that use spatial and temporal concepts and that are tailored to different user groups so that they can solve spatial tasks effectively and intuitively.
The Institute for Geoinformatics in the Faculty of Geosciences at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill two positions for
Doctoral Research Associates (EU-Forscher*in , salary level E 13 TV-L, 100%)
for the EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) doctoral network “Spatial Communication and Ageing Across Languages (SCALA)”. We are offering two fixed-term full-time positions for 3 years from 1 April 2025. More Information about the project can be found at https://scala-project.eu.
Your tasks:
- Work on one of the following subjects/topics: (DC10) spatial communication in mixed reality across the lifespan or (DC12) spatial communication in virtual and physical excursions
- This includes designing, implementing and evaluating different means to enable spatial communication in mixed reality (virtual reality, augmented reality) as well as designing, running and analysing studies with human participants (elicitation studies, controlled user studies, field studies) -
- Communication and dissemination of research results to different target audiences and sectors (e.g., research, clinical and industry)
- Presentation and publication of research results at highly recognized international conferences and in well ranked international journals
- Collaboration with an international consortium in the externally funded MSCA doctoral network SCALA
- Participation in the network's training programme including in person events (e.g., summer schools) and online events (e.g., lecture series, colloquia etc.
This position is tied to working towards a doctorate.
Our expectations:
- A graduate degree (master’s or equivalent) in geoinformatics, computer science or a related discipline is required.
- The MSCA mobility rule must be applied meaning that “researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their date of recruitment (1 April 2025)”.
- Candidates are not permitted to already hold a doctoral degree.
- Good command of written and spoken English is essential.
- Candidates must be willing and able to travel internationally (e.g. internship at one of the partners in the SCALA project).
- Solid programming skills in at least one programming language are advantageous.
- Prior experience in one more of the following fields is desirable: human-computer interaction, virtual reality, augmented reality, human-centred design.
- Further desirable skills include the ability to work in an international team, good communication and organisational skills, and the ability to work independently.
Advantages for you:
- By joining the EU-UKRI-funded doctoral network SCALA, you will join an interdisciplinary and intersectoral training network involving universities, companies and several associated partners. The network will provide online and in-person training to support the fellows in obtaining their doctorate degree including secondments at partner universities and companies.
- Our broad range of diverse work-time models offers great flexibility – also when working from home.
- 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.
Eligibility check and application procedure:
- We strongly advise all candidates to submit their details for eligibility checking by 15 September 2024 (see https://scala-project.eu/recruitment/ for more details).
- In addition to the two positions offered here, there are 14 additional doctoral projects available in the SCALA network (see https://scala-project.eu/phd-positions/ for a list of available projects).
- The following documents must be included in the application:
- a motivation letter
- a detailed CV (preferably in EU pass format)
- transcripts of bachelor’s and master’s degrees
- two letters of reference proof of English proficiency (e.g. an English certificate, proof of a degree completed in English).
- Please note that the other network partners will be involved in the selection process and that your documents will be passed on to the other members of the MSCA doctoral network in this context.
- The applications will be evaluated by the SCALA selection committee and suitable candidates invited for interviews
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.
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 Christian Kray (c.kray@uni-muenster.de).
Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your documents for the eligibility check by 15 September 2024. Full application will be due by 2024-10-06.
Full applications are to be submitted electronically, in a single PDF file, sent to geoinformatik@uni-muenster.de. Please use “Application SCALA” as the subject of your email. Interviews are planned for mid-October.
Please note that we cannot consider other file formats.
Reference number: 2024_08_06