Research Associate

This post is full time and fixed term for up to 18 months

We have an opportunity for a Research Associate 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 Monika Kuffer from ITC/University of Twente and Dr Ryan Engstrom from George Washington University).

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 well as conducting capacity building and training, as opportunities allow.

Informal enquiries about the role are welcomed, and should be addressed to Dr Qunshan Zhao (Qunshan.Zhao@glasgow.ac.uk) or  Professor Joao Porto de Albuquerque (Joao.Porto@glasgow.ac.uk).

For more information and to apply online, please click the 'Apply' button, above.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

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