Call for Applications: PhD Scholarships at the Graduate School of Geoinformatics (June 2026)

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Call for Applications: PhD Scholarships at the Graduate School of Geoinformatics (June 2026)

PhD Topic

We are looking for PhD applications in the area of human wayfinding and spatial orientation in immersive 3D environments, extending established research in spatial cognition, which has predominantly been conducted in 2D, into the third dimension. We are seeking proposals that aim to better understand how people orient themselves in and navigate complex 3D spaces. We are interested in topics that make use of 3D worlds, including digital twins of real urban environments, combined with realistic simulation components, such as dynamic traffic systems (e.g., generated with SUMO), as experimental platforms for studying navigation behaviour.

We welcome research that investigates cognitive processes underlying navigation in 3D space, including how individuals form cognitive maps of their environment, how route decisions could be best supported by navigation systems accounting for visibility of landmarks in 3D, and how different types of environments influence orientation and wayfinding performance. We are further interested in proposals that explore how orientation skills in 3D environments can be assessed, as well as which cognitive competencies are required for effective navigation in scenarios such as drone-based movement in 3D.

Funding details

• Monthly stipend: 2,000€
  
• Planned duration: 36 months
  
• Initial contract: 14 months
  
• Extension to full duration (36 months) is subject to a positive evaluation of progress based on milestones defined in the Graduate School for Geoinformatics regulations, in particular the successful defence of an updated dissertation proposal in month 12.
  

Application deadline

• Deadline: 25th June 2026
  
• Selection workshop: to be announced
  

Eligibility criteria

• MSc degree in Geoinformatics, Spatial Data Science, or a related discipline
  
• Proven ability to formulate and solve research problems related to the PhD topic described above (e.g. in the MSc Thesis)
  
• Fluent written and spoken English
  

Evaluation criteria (written application)

• Master’s degree grade: 30%
  
• Relevance of Master’s degree: 10%
  
• Quality and relevance of the research proposal: 30%
  
• Previous academic experience and achievements: 10%
  
• Motivation for the programme: 10%
  
• Formal aspects of the application: 10%
  

Evaluation criteria (selection workshop)

• Presentation: 35%
  
• Scientific and technical interview: 55%
  
• English and communication skills: 10%
  
• Outcome of the selection workshop contributes 70% to the final decision
  

Required documents

• Letter of motivation
  
• Two-page research proposal (excluding references and figures)
  
• Curriculum vitae
  
• Degree certificates and transcripts
  
• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or proof via English-taught degree)
  
• Contact details of three referees
  
• Optional: publications or other relevant qualifications
  

Selection committee

The selection committee consists of three professors from the Institute of Geoinformatics (Prof. Jakub Krukar, Prof. Christian Kray, Prof. Angela Schwering, Prof. Benjamin Risse)

Any questions regarding the topic may be directed to Prof. Angela Schwering ( [email protected] ).