PhD Programme in Environmental Informatics
Interdisciplinary doctoral research at the intersection of bio-, eco-, and geoinformatics with scientific computing in Göttingen.
Best for:Best for researchers with a master’s degree in computer science, mathematics, or related natural sciences, seeking to apply computational methods to environmental and ecological challenges.
Overview
The PhD Programme in Environmental Informatics at the University of Göttingen offers a structured, interdisciplinary research environment where candidates explore computational methods to model biological, ecological, and environmental systems. Participants engage in cutting-edge research across bioinformatics, ecoinformatics, geoinformatics, and scientific computing, leveraging advanced tools to study complex systems at multiple scales. The programme is embedded within the Graduate School GAUSS and benefits from Göttingen’s strong research ecosystem in biology, ecology, and mathematics. Applicants are expected to collaborate closely with supervisors, contribute to teaching, and develop their research independently under structured supervision.
What you'll do
- Conduct independent research in one of the sub-programmes: bioinformatics, ecoinformatics, geoinformatics, or scientific computing.
- Develop and apply computational methods to study biological, ecological, or environmental systems at various scales.
- Participate in teaching by delivering courses or co-supervising student projects, BSc, or MSc theses under guidance from the principal supervisor.
- Present research findings at conferences, workshops, and internal seminars within the programme.
- Collaborate with international partners and guest lecturers as part of the programme’s international elements.
- Engage in structured research training and discussion forums provided by the Graduate School GAUSS.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree (MSc) in computer science, mathematics, environmental informatics, bioinformatics, geoinformatics, medical informatics, informatics in economy, forest science, agriculture, or geography with a focus on computer science, mathematics, or natural sciences. At least 30 ECTS credits in mathematics and computer science must be documented from BSc and MSc studies.
Degree offered: Dr (Doctor of Philosophy)
Language: English proficiency at B2 level (no formal proof required). German proficiency is not mandatory but may be advantageous for local collaboration.
Instruction: English and German (thesis can be written in either language)
- Proven academic background in computational methods or related natural sciences.
- Strong programming and computational modeling skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
- Familiarity with scientific writing and presentation of research results.
- No nationality restrictions, but non-EU students must provide proof of sufficient financing for their stay in Germany.
- No age restrictions.
- No prior experience caps, but a clear research topic and supervisor consent are required.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
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- Intake
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How to apply
Applicants must first identify a potential supervisor from one of the sub-programmes and obtain their consent. After selecting a research topic and specifying a thesis committee, applications should be submitted via email to wk@informatik.uni-goettingen.de. Detailed application instructions are available on the programme’s website.
- CV
- Proof of Master’s degree (or equivalent)
- Transcripts of BSc and MSc studies (with at least 30 ECTS credits in mathematics and computer science)
- Statement of research interest and proposed topic
- Consent letter from the principal supervisor
- Thesis committee specification
Contact
PEI Programme Office· Application Contact
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