Research Associate

Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to the Urban Big Data Centre (UBDC) by working on the IDEAMAPS data ecosystem project funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation**.** The IDEAMAPS project will co-design and develop a participatory data-modelling ecosystem to produce deprived area maps routinely and accurately at scale across cities in lower-middle-income countries (LMIC) to support multiple local stakeholders in their decision-making. As a Research Associate, you will work with stakeholders and our multidisciplinary team to develop methods and digital tools to combine artificial intelligence (AI) analysis of earth observation data with community mapping and engagement to improve how we define and understand areas of deprivation (“including so-called slums”) in cities. The project will integrate multiple public, official, and community-generated datasets to produce granular surface maps of deprived areas across the pilot cities of Kano and Lagos (Nigeria) and Nairobi (Kenya) in the first phase. This is an opportunity to develop your leadership skills and work on cutting-edge research with significant societal impact, working closely with Professor João Porto de Albuquerque, Dr Qunshan Zhao and the IDEMAPS network (in particular with Dr Dana Thompson and Dr Monika Kuffer from ITC/University of Twente). The job requires expert knowledge in urban analytics, remote sensing and geospatial statistics, as well as substantiated knowledge of machine-learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods applied to Earth Observation geospatial data (e.g., satellite imagery, sensors, street view images), alongside an interest in doing participatory research to tackle social and spatial inequalities. You will have the opportunity to develop knowledge and theory in relation to a “just” participatory AI framework and a cloud-based modelling workflow that responds to the needs of contributors and residents of mapped areas. You will be able to work proactively and coordinate work across a team of researchers from different backgrounds and cultures, playing a leading role in the production of research publications and research proposals, as well as contributing to the development of UBDC’s theme on Urban Sustainability and Participation and Urban Sensing and Analytics. You will receive structured mentoring and explicit support for career development towards building research skills and experience, which includes helping 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 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. 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.3. 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.4. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy.5. 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.6. 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.7. 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).8. 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.9. Take a leading role in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced project team members to ensure their effective development.10. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the project, Centre and School, including budgets/expenditure.11. 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.12. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.13. Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Head of School and/or PI.14. 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 Essential : A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) or equivalent in professional qualifications and experience with evidence of personal development in similar role.A2 Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge in urban analytics, remote sensing and geospatial statistics. A3 Sufficient breadth of knowledge in machine-learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods applied to Earth Observation geospatial data (e.g., satellite imagery, sensors, street view images). Desirable B1 Knowledge of specialist data analytics software and tools such as R, QGIS, Python, and JavaScript, and relational spatial databases (e.g., PostgreSQL/PostGIS).B2 Knowledge of community engagement or participatory research methods, including participatory AI and modelling frameworks. 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 field.E2 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 the 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.F2 Experience with applying urban analytics methods to map urban deprived areas. Terms and Conditions Salary will be Grade 7, £39,347 - £44,263 per annum. This post is full time (35 hours per week) 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. 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.