Researchers interested in spatial data science, artificial intelligence, and environmental sustainability now have an exciting opportunity to join a cutting-edge research environment in Germany. The Institute for Environmental Planning at Leibniz University Hannover is currently inviting applications for a PhD or Postdoctoral research position in Spatial Data Science in Environmental Planning.

The position is funded under the German TV-L E13 salary scale at 75%, initially for three years, with the possibility of extension. Both doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers are encouraged to apply.

This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of data science, artificial intelligence, spatial analytics, and climate sustainability research.

Applications must be submitted by March 23, 2026.

About Leibniz University Hannover

Located in the vibrant city of Hanover, Leibniz University Hannover is one of the region’s largest academic employers and research centers.

The university hosts a diverse international community of researchers working across disciplines such as:

• Environmental science
• Data science and geoinformatics
• Climate and sustainability studies
• Urban and regional planning

Its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research and innovation makes it an ideal environment for scientists interested in tackling global environmental challenges.

Research Focus: Spatial Data Science in Environmental Planning

Spatial data science has become an essential tool for understanding environmental systems and supporting decision-making processes.

This research position focuses on applying advanced data analysis, machine learning, and spatial modeling techniques to solve real-world environmental planning challenges.

Key topics include:

• Climate adaptation in urban environments
• Biodiversity conservation strategies
• Sustainable land-use planning
• Environmental decision support systems

By combining geospatial technologies, artificial intelligence, and environmental modeling, researchers can develop tools that help governments and organizations design more sustainable policies.

Key Responsibilities

Depending on your academic background and career stage, responsibilities may vary.

For PhD Candidates

Doctoral researchers will:

• Develop and conduct a PhD research project in spatial data science
• Apply advanced geospatial and AI methods to environmental planning problems
• Contribute to collaborative research activities within the institute

For Postdoctoral Researchers

Postdocs will focus on:

• Strengthening their independent research profile
• Developing new research initiatives and funding proposals
• Collaborating with interdisciplinary research teams

Core Research Topics

Several innovative research directions are possible within the project.

Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis for Environmental Planning

Researchers may work on participatory multi-objective optimization methods to support environmental policy decisions.

Applications include:

• Land-use change analysis
• Biodiversity protection strategies
• Urban climate adaptation planning

These tools help stakeholders evaluate trade-offs between economic development and environmental sustainability.

Machine Learning for Environmental Modeling

Another important research area involves using statistical and machine learning techniques to simplify complex environmental models.

These methods can help create fast and efficient “emulators” of large climate models used to simulate:

• Local weather patterns
• Regional climate changes
• Environmental impact assessments

Such tools enable planners to make faster and more informed decisions.

Artificial Intelligence and Geospatial Image Analysis

AI-driven image analysis can extract valuable information from large environmental datasets, including:

• Satellite imagery
• Remote sensing data
• Street-level environmental imagery

Machine learning algorithms can identify patterns related to urban heat islands, vegetation distribution, and land-use changes.

These insights are crucial for addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.

Additional Academic Responsibilities

In addition to research activities, the selected candidate will contribute to academic life at the institute.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting teaching activities in environmental planning programs
• Maintaining the institute’s computer laboratory infrastructure
• Supervising Bachelor’s and Master’s student theses
• Participating in academic governance and administrative tasks

These experiences provide valuable professional development for careers in academia, research institutions, or policy organizations.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must hold an academic degree in one of the following disciplines:

• Landscape planning
• Spatial planning
• Geography
• Geoinformatics
• Meteorology
• Geoecology
• Environmental sciences
• Related fields

Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills and an interest in data-driven environmental research.

Preferred Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate will have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Multi-criteria decision analysis or participatory planning methods
• Working with large spatial datasets such as remote sensing or climate data
• Machine learning or artificial intelligence techniques
• Environmental modeling and simulation

Technical expertise in programming and geospatial software is particularly valuable.

Technical Skills

Preferred technical competencies include:

• Programming languages such as R, Python, or MATLAB
• Experience with ArcGIS or QGIS
• Statistical analysis of environmental data
• Spatial optimization techniques

Candidates passionate about using technology to address climate change and sustainability challenges are strongly encouraged to apply.

Benefits of the Position

Working at Leibniz University Hannover offers numerous professional and personal benefits.

Collaborative Research Environment

The Institute for Environmental Planning provides a transdisciplinary research setting addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges.

Flexible Work Arrangements

Employees can request:

• Remote work or mobile work options
• Flexible working hours
• Part-time employment arrangements

Career Development Opportunities

The university offers extensive staff development programs, including:

• Research training workshops
• Leadership and management courses
• Language and international collaboration programs

Family Support Services

Employees benefit from services such as:

• Back-up childcare programs
• Holiday childcare services
• Parent-child offices
• Counseling for family responsibilities

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Equal opportunity is a central value at Leibniz University Hannover.

Applications are welcomed from all qualified candidates regardless of:

• Gender
• Nationality
• Ethnicity
• Religion
• Age
• Disability
• Sexual orientation or identity

Preference will be given to equally qualified candidates with disabilities, and the university strongly encourages applications from women to improve gender balance in research.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit their application electronically as a single PDF file.

Required Documents

The application package should include:

• Cover letter explaining motivation (maximum two pages)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Contact information for two referees
• Academic transcripts
• A scientific writing sample (e.g., thesis or publication)
• Submission Applications should be sent to: Edda Thülig: Email: thuelig@umwelt.uni-hannover.de Postal submissions can also be sent to the Institute for Environmental Planning at Leibniz University Hannover.

Application Deadline March 23, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this position open to both PhD students and postdoctoral researchers?

Yes. The position is designed for doctoral candidates as well as postdoctoral researchers.

What is the salary for the position?

The position is funded under the TV-L E13 salary scale at 75%, which is a standard research salary for academic staff in Germany.

How long is the contract?

The contract duration is three years, with the possibility of extension depending on research progress and funding.

Is remote work allowed?

Yes. Mobile work and remote work arrangements can be requested depending on project requirements.

What programming skills are useful for this role?

Programming languages such as R, Python, or MATLAB are highly valuable for spatial data analysis and environmental modeling.

Do I need GIS experience to apply?

Experience with GIS software like ArcGIS or QGIS is strongly preferred but not always mandatory if the candidate has strong data science skills.