Research Associate in Transport Analytics

Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to research and data service activities in the transport theme of the UKRI-ESRC-funded Urban Big Data Centre (UBDC). Specifically, the job requires skills in processing and analysing very large datasets as well as expert knowledge in transport, mobility or a related field. You will work with a variety of datasets, for example our large database of mobile phone GPS data, and you will critically assess applications for the data. You will play a leading role in the production of research publications and research proposals, and contribute to the development of UBDC’s Digital Footprints Data Service. You will help manage and direct complex and challenging projects, as opportunities allow. Main Duties and Responsibilities: Perform the following activities in conjunction with the Principal Investigator (PI) as appropriate: 1. Take a leading role in the transport team of the UKRI-ESRC-funded Urban Big Data Centre (UBDC), taking responsibility for core elements as appropriate, in accordance with UBDC objectives and Centre/School/College/University research strategy. 2. Work alongside our Data Science team to develop user-friendly data products from large spatio-temporal datasets in our collection which we can make available through our data service. 3. Design and conduct research to further our understanding of the quality of our data and to generate new insights from the data. 4. Write up research findings/outcomes for publication in leading journals for disseminations as appropriate. Document research outputs including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting progress reports and papers as appropriate. 5. 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. 6. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy. 7. 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. 8. 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. 9. 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). 10. 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. 11. 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. 12. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the project, Centre and School, including budgets/expenditure. 13. 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. 14. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory. 15. Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Head of School and/or PI. 16. 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 quantitative social science, computer science, statistics or a related field, or equivalent in professional qualifications and experience with evidence of personal development in a similar role.A2 Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge in transport, mobility or a related field A3 Sufficient breadth and/or depth of knowledge in specialist subject and of quantitative research methods and data science to work within the subject area. Desirable B1 Extensive data analysis and interpretation experienceB2 Knowledge of data sources relevant for transport, for example national travel surveys Skills Essential C1 Proficiency coding in R, Python or similar programming languagesC2 Ability to analyse and organise resources in order to manage time and workload effectively.C3 Research creativity and strong cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.C4 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. C5 Ability to apply policy, practice and procedures including broader University/sector external (e.g. commercial) awareness.C6 Proven initiative and judgement to resolve problems independently and/or as part of a team. C7 Good leadership skills including demonstrable supervisory skills as appropriate. Desirable D1 Experience working with large mobile phone or GPS datasetsD2 Experience of using SQL and/or PostgreSQLD3 Experience of using GIS software 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 18 months. As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity. The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship. 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.