Post-Doctoral Researcher in Architectural Spatial Analysis of Emergency Departments

ABOUT THE ROLE

Northumbria University invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Researcher to join the EVIDENT project (Evidence-Based Architectural Design of Emergency Departments for Greater Communication, Collaboration, and Care Delivery). This role focuses on Work Package 1 (WP1): Analysing the Spatial Design of Emergency Departments (EDs) in the Swiss Healthcare System using advanced spatial analysis techniques, including space syntax, isovist measures, and visual complexity assessments.

The successful candidate will work closely with researchers at Cambridge and ETH Zurich to quantify spatial properties of ED layouts, investigate their influence on face-to-face interactions, and contribute to the development of the EDscape dataset—a comprehensive, open-source resource on Swiss ED spatial typologies.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Conduct spatial analyses of Swiss EDs using space syntax and isovist methods, examining inter-visibility, accessibility, ‘choice’ points, and spatial complexity.
• Analyse point cloud data and 2D floor plans to assess spatial and visual properties of EDs, ensuring data accuracy through ground-truthing.
• Apply cluster analysis and statistical methods to classify EDs into spatial typologies, supporting case study selection for fieldwork.
• Collaborate with healthcare partners, architects, and computational specialists to ensure robust interdisciplinary methodologies.
• Co-author high-impact journal articles, particularly targeting evidence-based healthcare design and architectural research.
• Engage in project dissemination through workshops, conferences, and publications.
• Undertake travel to Switzerland for data collection and collaboration with project partners.

The role is fixed term for a duration of 18 months.

ABOUT YOU

Applicants should hold a PhD in Architecture, Urban Design, or a related field, with a focus on spatial analysis, wayfinding, or evidence-based design, as well as:

• Expertise in space syntax analytic methods, including isovist analysis, justified graphs, and spatial network metrics.
• Strong quantitative skills, with experience in clustering analysis, data visualization, and statistical modelling.
• A research background in health-related topics.
• Demonstrated ability to publish in high-ranking peer-reviewed journals. 

Further information about the requirements of the role is available in the person specification.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Ruth Dalton, Professor in Architecture, at ruth.dalton@northumbria.ac.uk

To apply for this vacancy please click 'Apply Now'.  Your application should include a covering letter and a CV. 

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