Scaling Qualitative Research: Exploring Gamified Approaches for In-Situ Data Collection in Urban Environments
About the project
To navigate the complexities of rapid urban change, public participation is increasingly adopted to shape how we plan, develop, and adapt our urban spaces. Yet too often, digital engagement relies on quantitative surveys or feedback tools and thus fails to capture the rich qualitative insights needed for truly human-centered urban planning. This PhD project aims to challenge the status quo by exploring in-situ, scalable, gamified approaches to gather qualitative PPGIS data. Ultimately, this project seeks to design more inclusive, context-rich participatory processes that reflect how people truly feel about evolving urban spaces. If you’re excited to combine cutting-edge technology with human-centric data collection, you are warmly invited to apply!
You will join the Department of Geography and Regional Science at the University of Graz.
Key Focus Areas
1. Geospatial Technologies
2. PPGIS (Public Participation Geographic Information Systems)
3. Qualitative data
4. Urban planning
5. Gamification
6. Human behavior
About the Role
As a PhD Student in Geospatial Technologies, you’ll tackle complex challenges in public engagement by prototyping innovative, gamified, spatial approaches that bridge the gap between urban planning and community voices.
Overall, you will...
1. Conduct ethical research in an interdisciplinary environment
2. Explore novel concepts in qualitative PPGIS
3. Share your results via scientific communications and international conferences
4. Adopt open science standards (e.g., data sharing, open-access publication)
5. Participate in ongoing research within the Geospatial Technology group
6. Actively seek feedback from advisors, peers, and communities to refine your approach
7. Write and defend a doctoral thesis in the field of Geospatial Technologies
Duties
1. Enroll in one of the doctoral schools at the University of Graz
2. Teach a one-semester course (2h/week) on a related topic
3. Supervise bachelor’s and master's theses
Within 1 month you will...
1. Onboard the geospatial technologies group and familiarize yourself with the department's culture
2. Identify the key scientific publications relevant to your research
3. Brainstorm on the project’s scope and direction with your supervisor and peers
Within 3 months, you will...
1. Gain proficiency in the relevant scientific literature
2. Adopt project management tools to structure your PhD timeline effectively
3. Present an initial research plan to the group
4. Outline your semester teaching course
Within 6 months, you will...
1. Lead your PhD project with growing independence
2. Design low-fidelity prototypes for in-situ, gamified data collection
3. Identify a suitable pilot study (site, population, or case study)
Qualifications
1. Enthusiasm for the proposed project area and research questions
2. Strong social skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team
3. Self-directed, with a bias for action and comfort iterating quickly (i.e., fail fast, learn fast)
4. Comfortable with open dialogue, able to articulate the rationale behind your work
5. Curious mindset, willing to challenge yourself and explore new methodologies
6. Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Geography, Geospatial Technologies, Environmental System Sciences, Computer Science, or related disciplines
7. Strong GIS and programming skills (e.g., Python, JavaScript)
8. Excellent command of spoken and written English
It Is a Plus If You...
1. Have former experience in qualitative methods, HCI (human-computer interaction), and/or PPGIS
2. Possess a good eye for UI/UX design
3. Are proficient in spoken or written German
Compensation and Benefits
1. A fully funded, full-time PhD position for four years based on 30h/w, offering a gross yearly salary of €39000, in accordance with Austrian university pay scales
2. A dedicated workspace at Heinrichstraße 36, 8010 Graz, Austria
3. A new laptop for the entire duration of the project
4. Annual funding for congresses, workshops, or training courses
5. Five weeks of paid holidays each year
6. The opportunity to earn a PhD degree from the University of Graz (AT) upon successful completion of the program
7. Integration into a highly interdisciplinary team with a broad international network, offering outstanding opportunities for professional development
Supervisor
Dr. Thibaud Chassin
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply via the Uni-Graz job portal, please submit the following documents:
1. Academic CV (2 pages max)
2. Personal statement outlining your interest in the position, relevant background, and career aspirations
3. PDF copy of master's dissertation (or an equivalent writing sample) and examiners’ reports (if available)
4. Details of two Academic/Industry referees (Names, affiliations, and contact information)
We welcome applicants of all genders and from any background, especially those underrepresented in academia.
Please apply as soon as possible; applications will be evaluated as they come through. The deadline for the application is April 1st. Interviews with shortlisted applicants will take place in person or online in April 2025. The successful candidate is expected to take up the post between June and September 2025. #J-18808-Ljbffr