Department of Geoinformatics – Z_GIS at the Faculty of Digital and Analytical Sciences, University of Salzburg


University Professorship – § 99 (1) Universities Act 2002

„Digital Earth – Geovizualisation“

 

Planned start date: earliest possible

The Department of Geoinformatics – Z_GIS was established in 2012 through the merger of the Centre for Geoinformatics with the GIScience Institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) and is one of the leading institutions in Geoinformatics worldwide. Geoinformatics develops digital technologies for the acquisition and processing of georeferenced data, data models for the representation of spatial information, and methods for visual communication by means of geomedia. The aim is to derive decision-supporting information through spatial analysis.

The close integration of cutting-edge research on application-oriented topics in geoinformatics and the understandable “translation” of results in a way that is accessible to different target groups is achieved in particular through fundamental cartographic as well as interactive, multimedia methods. This is also reflected in excellent, highly innovative research-led teaching.

Digital Earth and Geovisualization are key competencies for addressing the major challenges of our time – from climate change and urbanisation to digital transformation. This professorship is a strategic contribution to the future viability of science, society and education.

Geovisualization brings together Geoinformatics, Data Science, HCI, Media Studies and communication. New technologies such as AR/VR, AI in digital cartography and visual analytics, and WebGIS open up innovative fields of research and teaching and are becoming indispensable in geocommunication for conveying complex issues in an understandable way – for example in climate research, urban planning or environmental policy.

The responsibilities of the future holder of the position include academic research and publication activity in the field of Geoinformatics, Digital Earth, Cartography, Geovisualization and their application areas. The position holder is expected to teach courses particularly in the Master’s programmes “Applied Geoinformatics” and “Erasmus Mundus Copernicus Digital Earth” and will supervise theses and dissertations. Further tasks include contributing to the strengthening of visualisation (eye tracking, immersive representations) within the core facility Geoinformatics and the university-wide HPS environment for GPU-supported deep learning methods, virtualised cloud environment for continuous web services, VR devices, image analysis stations, 3D printers, etc.

A professorship at the University of Salzburg stands for forward-looking research, committed teaching and social responsibility. It includes independent and collaborative academic work, the acquisition of third-party funding, the management of teams and the publication of research results. Professors encourage young scientists, value interdisciplinarity, organise third mission activities and are involved in university committees and internationalisation. With a sense of responsibility, integrity and innovative strength, they shape a respectful working environment and promote scientific, technological and social developments.

Required qualifications
considering academic age and individual career path

  • PhD in geoinformatics or an equivalent foreign university degree;
  • relevant habilitation (venia docendi/venia legendi) or equivalent academic qualification;
  • profound knowledge of new and emerging approaches in Digital Earth, Cartography and Geovisualisation
  • proven independent academic research and publication activity, as well as experience in implementing third-party projects, science management and university-level teaching;
  • national and/or international networking, ideally with active participation in interdisciplinary collaborations;
  • experience in university self-administration and ability to provide strategic and responsible leadership;
  • very good written and spoken academic English skills (level B2/CEFRL) and ability to teach and administer exams in English;
  • good written and spoken German skills or the willingness to reach level B1 (CEFRL) within 3 years.


Desired skills
considering academic age and individual career path

  • Proven external academic activity outside the University of Salzburg, preferably abroad, minimum 1 year;
  • social skills for staff and student development and collaboration, awareness of DEI issues, and the ability to lead teams in an inspiring way, implement strategic goals, and foster a cooperative, appreciative work culture;
  • digital skills in dealing with contemporary technologies und their application;
  • willingness to cooperate and to assume leadership positions; interdisciplinarity.

Application
your application includes the following documents as one PDF:

  • Letter of motivation and concept for planned research, teaching and third mission activities;
  • curriculum vitae including
  • description of research achievements (particularly third-party projects);
  • description of experience and activities in teaching (and, if applicable, supervision/mentoring experience); including course evaluations and teaching certificates, if available;
  • description of third mission activities;
  • description of social and digital skills;
  • list of publications and presentations;
  • proof of relevant university degrees.

If necessary, submission of additional documents (e.g. relevant publications) may be requested.

Deadline for applications: 11 March 2026
Applications should be addressed to the Head of the University (“Rektor”), Univ.-Prof. Dr. Bernhard Fügenschuh.
E-Mail:
Subject: 2026_4_991

 

We regret that expenses for travel and accommodation incurred in the job application cannot be refunded.

The University of Salzburg seeks to increase the proportion of women in academic and administrative areas and therefore encourages female candidates to apply. Considering the respective biography women will be given preference over equally qualified men.

People with disabilities or chronic illnesses who fulfil the job requirements are also expressly invited to apply.

If you have any questions about accessibility and support during the application process, please contact the Family, Gender, Diversity & Disability team at +43 662 8044-2462 or .

Salary
The university hires professors on a fixed term according to the Austrian Universities Act (“Universitätsgesetz”), the Austrian Salaried Employees Act (“Angestelltengesetz”) and the Collective Bargaining Agreement for University Employees (“Kollektivvertrag für die Arbeitnehmer*innen der Universitäten”).

Salary schedule: A1
Duration of contract: 5 years
The basis of salary negotiations is the required legal minimum of € 93,986.20 gross.

Contact
For further information, please contact the Head of department, Prof. Thomas Blaschke, at  or +43 662 8044-7525.

Please note that in case of doubt, the German version of the job advertisement is binding.