PhD Position – Spatial structural analyses of crowds

PhD Position – Spatial structural analyses of crowds

In the CrowdING project, you will analyze experimental data from large crowds and develop quantitative measures to describe their spatial structure. To do this, you will use and expand methods such as Minkowski functionals, Voronoi-based density analyses, and modern cluster and pattern recognition techniques. Your goal is to precisely capture the structural characteristics of crowds and investigate how they change under different conditions. The analyses are always carried out in conjunction with social‑psychological findings on the perception of crowds, thus contributing to an integrated understanding of physical and social morphology. The work is carried out in close collaboration with project partners at the University of Wuppertal and the University of Groningen (NL).

Your tasks will include:

• Quantitative analysis of experimental data and description of spatial structures in crowds (e.g., Minkowski functionals, Voronoi analyses, clustering methods)
• Comparison of physical structural analyses with social psychological findings
• Integration and further development of measurement methods and measurements in the PedPy library
• Collaboration in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of crowd experiments
• Exchange and close cooperation with partners from physics, computer science, and social psychology
• Publication of research results in international journals
• Presentations at international conferences and participation in project workshops in Wuppertal and Groningen (NL)

Profile

• Completed university degree (master's or equivalent) in physics, computer science, mathematics, data science, computational science, or cognitive science
• Very good programming skills (e.g., in Python, C++, or comparable languages)
• Initial experience in the field of crowd dynamics, data analysis, or spatial and temporal movement analysis is desirable, but a strong scientific interest is more important
• Enthusiasm for combining and expanding methodological approaches and developing new metrics or models
• Enthusiasm for working in a team and in the interdisciplinary research environment of IAS-7
• Very good communication skills, also in an intercultural context
• Very good written and spoken English
• Structured scientific approach and enjoyment of independently developing models and research methods

Our Offer

• MEANINGFUL TASKS: A varied and diverse role in an international environment with freedom to pursue your own research ideas within the project context
• KNOWLEDGE & FURTHER TRAINING: Structured research environment with excellent opportunities for scientific advancement
• SUPERVISION & SUPPORT: Continuous, expert guidance from your academic supervisor
• WORK‑LIFE BALANCE: Optimal conditions for balancing work and private life, including flexible working locations after consultation
• VACATION: 30 days of vacation
• FAIR REMUNERATION: Classified according to pay group 13 (75%) of the TVöD‑Bund, plus a Christmas bonus amounting to 60% of one month’s salary (details on the BMI website)
• FIXED TERM: Doctoral contract typically three years, with option to extend to four years

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation/identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities is important to us.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: and on the targeted promotion of women:

Additional benefits can be found at