About the Position
Are you passionate about decision support systems, digitalization, and GIS-based modeling? Do you want to contribute to developing a cutting-edge digital tool for real-world decision-making? Take a look at this opportunity!
School: School of Engineering
Starting date: 01.06.2026 or by agreement
Your Role
The advertised PhD position is part of the ZHAW Digital Fellowship project “Innovative Spatio-Temporal Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Interface to Support Informed Decision‑Making for Real‑World Applications (InSTIM). The project focuses on developing a digital Decision Support Tool (DST) that integrates Geographic Information Systems (GIS), advanced computational techniques, and data analytics to assist decision-makers in managing dynamic and complex challenges. In close collaboration with the Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) at Leiden University, the PhD will benefit from joint supervision and a shared research setup, combining ZHAW's expertise in applied decision‑support development with Leiden's methodological and academic strengths in the field.
Eligibility
Applicants must hold an EU/EFTA passport.
Main Responsibilities
* Develop a spatio‑temporal Multi‑Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework to structure and analyze complex decision problems.
* Integrate uncertainty modelling into the MCDA framework.
* Implement and optimise data integration methods to enhance decision‑making accuracy.
* Design and code decision‑support algorithms for ranking, sorting, and clustering alternatives.
* Translate the MCDA framework into a user‑friendly Decision Support Tool (DST).
* Apply and validate the DST through case studies.
* Engage with stakeholders, collect feedback, and refine the tool's usability and effectiveness.
* Present and publish research results at international conferences and in peer‑reviewed journals.
Profile
* You have a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Geoinformatics, or a related discipline.
* You have experience in, or a strong interest in, Multi‑Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), GIS‑based modelling, and/or spatio‑temporal analytics.
* You have strong programming skills in Python, R, or a similar language (experience with GIS libraries is a plus).
* Knowledge of geostatistical analysis or temporal data analysis is an advantage.
* You are able to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
* You have excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
Apply Online Now
To apply, please submit your application through the ZHAW recruitment portal.
What We Stand For
Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) is one of Switzerland's largest multidisciplinary universities of applied sciences, with over 14,000 students and 3,400 faculty and staff. ZHAW is committed to gender‑mixed and diverse teams in order to promote equality, diversity, and innovation. Applications from women are particularly welcome, and we also encourage people with disabilities to apply.
The interdisciplinary Institute of Sustainable Development at the School of Engineering examines technological, economic, and social changes from a sustainability perspective. The Risk Management/Technology Assessment team conducts research in resilience engineering, technology assessment, circular economy, and sustainability.
Benefits
* Workplace culture
* Work‑life balance
* Diversity and inclusion
* Personal development
* Environmental, economic and social sustainability at the ZHAW
* Occupational health management
* Salary and pension provision
Contact
Matteo Spada
Senior Researcher
matteo.spada@zhaw.ch
Irina Keiser
Recruiting Manager
irina.keiser@zhaw.ch
Location
ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences
Winterthur Region of Zurich, 8400
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