Post-Doctoral Fellowship: iCity2.0 Urban Data Science for Future Mobility

Project Details

OCAD University is seeking an enthusiastic, collaborative researcher with training in spatial visual analytics and interest in generative design. iCity 2.0 is an urban data science and design research hub co-located at OCAD University and the University of Toronto. The PDF will report to co-Principal Investigator Dr. Sara Diamond, expert in urban planning, cultural analytics and visualization design. Co-principal investigator is Professor Eric J. Miller, University of Toronto, an international leader in travel behaviour research and sustainable transportation planning . The PDF will provide a leadership and coordinating role in complete communities’ research with faculty from both universities, public sector and industry partners, They will apply diverse visual analytics and computational tools. The PDF will be a member of the Visual Analytics Laboratory at OCAD University.. OCAD University is one of the world’s largest, leading art and design universities dedicated to interdisciplinary knowledge and research, equity and inclusive design. iCity2.0 draws on faculty and partner expertise in urban planning, economics, sociology, architecture, design, transportation engineering, design for health, computer science, visual analytics, geographic information science, generative design, 3D procedural modeling and advanced visualization.

Context

Complete communities integrate mixed use development, a variety of housing opportunities and income levels, access to public and active transportation, jobs, food security, and a rich range of amenities, cultural offerings and green spaces. iCity2.0 includes partnerships among academic researchers, mobility start-ups, technology firms, engineering, data and analytics firms such as Autodesk and Esri, property developers, not-for-profits, and municipal and regional governments, creating an urban innovation ecosystem of next-stage recipients and end-users that ensures iCity 2.0 will achieve research impact. Research goals include the development and testing of a Complete Communities scorecard; the development and application of qualitative methods derived from strategic foresight and urban planning, and quantitative methods and metrics to plan complete communities. We apply Esri’s ArcGIS and CityEngine and use district data and GIS 3D visualization to visualize the spatial context of neighbourhoods. We deploy Autodesk’s design and computational tools to create generative algorithms to provide multiple scenarios and designs to achieve complete communities. We work in close partnership with city developers and public agencies who provide case study opportunities that can contribute to the scorecard and overall knowledge regarding complete community planning.

Example research themes consider the changing nature of complete communities, the relationship between complete communities metrics and healthy community metrics, the fundamental connection between complete communities planning and needs and transportation planning, issues of equity and resilience and complete communities and the role of culture and social cohesion. Researchers seek metrics to evaluate qualitative as well as quantitative criteria for complete communities. Example questions include

• What is an effective data-driven and usable format for a scorecard that can address different stakeholder needs in designing complete communities?
• How can generative design and GIS spatial visualization tools be used to offer varying typologies of complete communities and support measurement of complete community metrics, offering scenarios for future planning?
• How can we provide an effective framework for complete community design that combines diverse transportation solutions to provide integrated mobility for large-scale developments that accommodate affordable housing and community facilities?
• How can we inform future practices and policies and impact plans under development?

Responsibilities

• Work closely with Dr. Sara Diamond, a postdoctoral fellow and the iCity research team to design and conduct research in the areas of (i) complete communities, (ii) spatial visual analytic tools, (iii) generative design, (iv) data analytics, (v) strategic foresight and participatory design;
• Engage as PDF project lead for OCAD University within the iCity2.0 research project;
• Conduct literature reviews and keep abreast of newest developments in the field.
• Lead the development of a complete communities scorecard;
• Engage with stakeholders in participatory design and foresight exercises as appropriate;
• Support the creation of a complete communities ontology;
• Apply user-centric design in the development of a dashboard and visualizations for a scorecard.
• Apply Esri’s ArcGIS and CityEngine and use district data and GIS 3D visualization to visualize the spatial context of neighbourhoods and other complete community features.
• Deploy  Autodesk’s design and computational tools to create generative algorithms to provide multiple scenarios and designs to achieve complete communities. 
• Lead complete community case studies reporting to PI Diamond.
• Provide day to day leadership for undergraduate and masters Research Assistants and intern(s), under overall direction of PI and faculty team.
• Participate in VAL planning and iCity postdoctoral fellow meetings.
• Present results at academic conferences and industry meetings, prepare and publish peer-reviewed articles, and participate in the preparation of grant application packages.
• Publish research results in key academic journals and conference proceedings.

Qualifications

• Must have graduated within the last five years from a PhD program
• A PhD in computer science, or urban planning, or architecture, with demonstrated capacity in spatial data analytics and visualization, and preferably some experience in generative design and/or genetic algorithms.
• Knowledge of 2D and 3D data visualization application development.
• Programming languages: map based visualization, preferably Esri ArcGIS Pro, CityEngine; Autodesk Revit, Civil3D and Dynamo or other Autodesk tools, Python
• Experience working within research teams  and leading students in research
• Experience leading students in research
• Ability to lead academic publication
• Comfortable working with industrial research partners
• Some exposure to strategic foresight and design thinking methods
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and push forward a program of research
  
  

Work Environment: The incumbent in this role will be expected to report to work on campus and remotely.

Please review the OCAD University’s Safety Measures for all up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 protocols.

OCAD University’s vaccine mandate will be in abeyance until further notice. However, to ensure continuity of teaching, learning and campus activities throughout the year, the University expects all students, staff and faculty to maintain up-to-date vaccination records.

Remuneration: $55,000/year. OCAD U offers a benefits package on top of salary. Renewable as a three year postdoctoral fellowship contingent on annual reviews.

Please note the following: 

• This appointment is conditional upon funding of the Project by OCAD U’s external funding partner(s) 
• If you are a work or study permit holder, please note a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) and Canadian bank account is a condition of employment.

Application Process:  Applications should include: a one-page covering letter explaining the candidate’s interest, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three (3) referees. Interested applicants are invited to submit their application in confidence addressed to Dr. Sara Diamond, President Emerita, online by clicking the “Apply Now” button below. 

The review of applications will begin on 18, September, 2023 and will continue until the position has been filled.

IMPORTANT: Before completing your application, please double check your attachments to ensure they align with the position you are applying for and the files are named following the standard naming convention: FirstInitial_LastName-Job Code-Document Type . If the posting you are applying for lists multiple courses, please indicate the course(s) you are applying for within your cover letter and/or CV. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

More information on submitting applications on OCAD U’s online applicant system can be found on the Employment Opportunities page.

If you require further support, please contact the People & Culture Office.

As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.  

We encourage members of designated equity-seeking groups to self-identify within the voluntary Applicant Questionnaire .  

OCAD U is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact People & Culture for more information or refer to OCAD U’s Policy of Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities .

All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.

We encourage members of designated equity-seeking groups to self-identify within the voluntary Applicant Questionnaire .

OCAD University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact Human Resources for more information or refer to OCAD U’s Policy of Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities .

Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority given the current context of COVID-19 travel restrictions. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.