Research Associate in Artificial Intelligence for Collective Intelligence - Cities

Job Purpose

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Associate to join our interdisciplinary team focused on advancing our knowledge on the useful application of artificial intelligence methods to problems that are presented in urban contexts. The post will be based in the Urban Big Data Centre working with Professor Alison Heppenstall. The postholder will be responsible for developing and delivering a package of work which explores the ways in which novel artificial-intelligence based analytical methods can be used to bring new insights and enhance decision-making processes related, in particular, to urban planning and development. The work will directly impact cities, citizens, and policymakers by harnessing the power of data-driven insights and the post-holder will interact closely with our partners in national and local government as well as the commercial sector in shaping the research programme. This role is part of the AI for Collective Intelligence Research Hub (AI4CI) – a 5-year EPSRC project bringing together researchers from across the UK addressing challenges in healthcare, environmental sustainability, financial stability, pandemic resilience and cities. The post-holder will interact actively with members of the wider research group, identifying synergies that will help build our collective intelligence. This role will initially be focused on using AI to predict and classify the evolution of cities through analysis of newly emerging longitudinal planning databases and other relevant data sources (e.g. commercial vacancy databases). Can we develop generic AI approaches that allow us to interrogate these data sources to build a picture of how our cities have evolved over time? What factors have contributed to healthy growth or decline? Can these data be harnessed to power more accurate urban digital twins of future cities? Main Duties and Responsibilities: Perform the following activities in conjunction with the Principal Investigator (PI) as appropriate: 1. Data Exploration and Analysis :a. Develop a deep understanding of a number of new and establishing planning data sets.b. Extract relevant information, identify patterns, and explore correlations.c. Collaborate with domain experts to understand the nuances of urban planning data in a number of contexts2. AI Model Development :a. Develop new and build on existing AI methods relevant for the challenges emerging from the main research database.b. Leverage machine learning techniques to predict trends, optimize resource allocation, and improve decision-making.c. Address challenges related to data quality, bias, and scalability.3. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement :a. Work closely with the other research fellow based in the UCL half of the AI4CI Cities research hub as well as academic leads and PhD students to develop a complementary research programme.b. Work closely with city officials, urban planners, and community stakeholders.c. Translate AI insights into actionable recommendations.d. Foster collaboration between academia, government, and industry partners.e. Build connections with the wider AI4CI project community 1. Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research and data service activities, taking responsibility for a core element as appropriate, in accordance with UBDC objectives and Centre/School/College/University research strategy. 2. Deal with data from a range of partners, including undertaking data analytics, manipulation and linkage, maintaining records and databases, drafting progress reports and papers as appropriate. 3. Write up research findings/outcomes for publication in leading journals for disseminations as appropriate. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting progress reports and papers as appropriate. 4. Establish and maintain a personal research profile and reputation, and enhance that of the Centre/School/College/University. Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, gathering indicators of esteem and identifying opportunities for knowledge exchange. 5. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy. 6. Present work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance the research profile of the Centre/School/College/University. 7. Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies, planning and developing a line of research activities. 8. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the project and in the broader Centre/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. Academic and other collaborators/partners). 9. Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the Centre/School/College/University. 10. Take a leading role in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development. 11. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the project, Centre and School, including budgets/expenditure. 12. Contribute to elements of teaching within a clear and established programme and carry out associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with PI. 13. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory. 14. Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Head of School and/or PI. 15. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan - Inspiring People – Changing the World. Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience Knowledge/Qualifications Essential  A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) in computer science, statistics, mathematics, quantitative social science, or equivalent in professional qualifications and experience with evidence of personal development in similar role.A2 Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of computational modelling approaches within the area of urban analytics and social simulation.A3 Sufficient breadth and/or depth of knowledge in specialist subject and of quantitative research methods and techniques to work within the subject area. Desirable B1 Knowledge of project-specific data sourcesB2 Knowledge of specialist IT software as appropriateB3 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriateB4 Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working Skills Essential C1 Ability to analyse and organise resources in order to manage time and workload effectively.C2 Research creativity and strong cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.C3 Ability to communicate material of a specialist or highly technical nature and to be effective both orally and in writing at a level appropriate to the activity, including public presentations. C4 Ability to apply policy, practice and procedures including broader University/sector external (e.g. commercial) awareness.C5 Proven initiative and judgement to resolve problems independently and/or as part of a team. C6 Good leadership skills including demonstrable supervisory skills as appropriate. Experience Essential E1 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related fieldE2 Experience of planning and progressing work activities within professional guidelines or organisational policy, applying initiative and independent judgement.E3 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals and/ or at conferences.E4 Experience of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of literature, design and analysis of research data and drafting of papers. Desirable F1 An emerging national or international reputation in research. Terms and Conditions Salary will be Grade 7, £39,347 - £44,263 per annum. This post is full time and fixed term for up to 2 Years As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity. As a valued member of our team, you can expect:1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared. 3 A flexible approach to working.