Doctoral Researcher in spatial data management (SDC-36)

Overview

We are representing a confidential social science research organization seeking a Doctoral Researcher in spatial data management. This is a 3-year limited position based in Köln, Germany, working 75% time starting January 1, 2027. Our client operates as part of a nationally funded research institute within an internationally recognized scientific association.

The role sits within a survey data curation department that processes and prepares research data across diverse data types to support sociological and political science research. You will contribute to a project developing research data infrastructure for geocoded electoral data, making it more findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable for the research community.

Responsibilities

• Set up data storage technology and program the R interface and auxiliary tools for spatial electoral data infrastructure
• Test and assess the technology stack to ensure it meets researchers' needs for spatial electoral data
• Support data modeling, data ingestion pipelines, and curation workflows
• Contribute to technical documentation, project outreach, and dissemination activities
• Conduct methodological or applied research showcasing the added value of the infrastructure

What We're Looking For

• Master's degree in geography, geoinformatics, spatial data science, or a related discipline
• Technical literacy in geospatial software stacks and strong programming skills in R
• Strong interest in the application of GIS and spatial data to political and social science research
• Motivation to complete a PhD thesis closely aligned with the project
• Excellent English language skills

Benefits at the client organization include: Flexible working hours and mobile working regulations, generous support for work-life balance including childcare subsidies, company health management, discounted university sports program participation, pension provision support as direct insurance, and professional development through training measures.

How We Work with You

Candidates apply directly through Get A Job.ai. Our recruiting team will conduct an initial screening to understand your background and interest in this doctoral position. Qualified candidates will then be submitted to our client for consideration. Please do not contact the client organization directly—all communication should flow through our talent team to ensure a smooth process for everyone involved.

Please submit your application including a motivation letter, CV, and writing sample. The client's internal reference for this search is SDC-36, with applications being reviewed through early October 2026.

Pay

Compensation follows the German public sector salary group 13 TV-L scale at 75% working time. Pay details will be discussed during the screening process.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Get A Job.ai is committed to inclusive recruiting practices. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background, identity, or circumstance.