PhD or Postdoc Position in Constraint-based Spatial Reasoning, Freiburg

1 PhD / Postdoctoral Position

at the Transregional Collaborative Research Center
SFB/TR 8 Spatial Cognition
(University of Bremen/University of Freiburg)

Project R4-[LogoSpace]
Constraint-based Reasoning in Qualitative Spatio-Temporal Calculi

Project Description

Reasoning about space is essential for a wide range of spatial tasks such as the retrieval of information from spatial knowledge bases, the reconstruction of information from incomplete data, the navigation in known or unknown environments, or the manipulation of objects in real world settings. The project R4-[LogoSpace] develops and evaluates constraint-based representation formalisms and algorithmic techniques that are applicable for solving such spatial tasks.

More information on the project can be found at http://sfbtr8.informatik.uni-freiburg.de/R4LogoSpace/

Qualifications

Applicants should have expertise in computer science / artificial intelligence and should hold a master or diploma degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related field. They should be committed to interdisciplinary, team-based research and be fluent in spoken and written English. Strong programming skills and/or expertise in geographic information systems and/or strong mathematical training are beneficial.

Ideally, an applicant will have background in more than one of the following areas: knowledge representation and reasoning; complexity theory; automated theorem proving; mathematical logics; geographic information systems.

Additional training will be provided on the job.

Main Tasks

• Development and theoretic analysis of formal systems for the representation of spatial information;
• Design and empirical evaluation of algorithms for reasoning tasks in such formal systems;
• Application and evaluation of theoretic results in real world testbeds (e.g., GIS, robotics);
• Preparation of articles for publication in scientific journals and presentation of research results at international conferences.

If applicable, the successful applicant is expected to work on obtaining a doctoral degree in the scope of this position.

Conditions of Employment

Salary is according to the German Federal pay scale (TV-L 13, approx. EUR 34,000 p.a.). The position is available at the University of Freiburg till the end of 2012 with the possibility of extension. The application deadline is 01/03/2011 or until a suitable candidate is found.

As the SFB/TR 8 intends to increase the proportion of female employees in science, women are particularly encouraged to apply. In case of equal personal aptitudes and qualification, disabled persons will be given priority.

Application

Please address questions about the position and send your application in electronic form (PDF) by email to: Stefan Woelfl woelfl at informatik.uni-freiburg.de