Project background
This doctoral research will focus on linking information in historical maps spatially and temporally with other resources, such as registries in historical documents. By integrating these diverse sources, the research will develop methodologies to extract, structure and organize historical data, enabling advanced search and retrieval. The outcomes will enhance the accessibility and usability of historical geospatial data, allowing for comprehensive cross-disciplinary analysis and deeper insights into historical events and transformations.
Job description
- Extracting information from various sources (e.g., maps, texts, images) within a multi-modality framework.
- Registering historical maps from different times by leveraging advanced deep learning approaches.
- Building spatial-temporal knowledge graphs of historical resources with efficient database architecture.
- Integrating LLMs into knowledge graphs for information query.
- Publishing in peer-reviewed journals or present at equivalent conferences.
- Managing historical map data with Atlas of Switzerland and GeoVITE platform.
- Assisting teaching activities.
Profile
Applicants must have completed a Master’s degree in a related field (applicants completing their studies before June 2025 will also be considered)
- Master in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Remote Sensing, Geomatics or related.
- Experience with deep learning framework (e.g., Pytorch or Tensorflow).
- Experience with database management, preferably for geo-spatial databases (e.g., SPARQL, PostGIS).
- Knowledge of geospatial data formats, GIS tools and analysis methods.
- Experience with LLM framework (e.g., Langchain, LlamaIndex) is a strong plus.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.
- Ability to manage research projects, including planning, resource allocation, and documentation.
We offer
- Participate in a small, motivated research team.
- Pleasant working atmosphere.
- National and international network and collaboration.
- Benefits: usage of sport facilities and other university infrastructure on campus, contribution to the cost of public transportation (Halb-Tax and GA).
Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:
- One-page CV.
- One-page cover letter outlining research interests and experience.
- Copies of transcripts and diploma/certificates/degrees.
- Link to open-source data and code repositories (Zenodo and Github).
- Copies of relevant publications (if applicable).
- Reference letters and contact details of at least two referees.
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
Application Deadline: 3/31/2025; Starting date: 6/01/2025 (latest)
Further information about the Institute of Cartography and Geoinformation can be found on our website https://karto.baug.ethz.ch. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr. Lorenz Hurni [lhurni@ethz.ch] or Dr. Yizi Chen [yizi.chen@ethz.ch] (no applications).
For recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.
