Research Assistant / Associate in Urban Systems and Infrastructure (Fixed Term)

An exciting opportunity exists for a Research Assistant/Associate in the Department of Engineering's West Cambridge site, to work on the Digital Cities for Change (DC2) Programme supported by The Ove Arup Foundation.

The DC2 programme investigates how data and digital tools are impacting the mechanics of policy, governance and management of a city and infrastructure planning and design in practice. Specifically, it focuses on the relationship between the operation, planning and management of infrastructure systems and city-level policy outcomes for citizens and the economy. The post holder will play a key role in expanding the existing research work and collaborations with a thematic focus on urban digitalisation. They will contribute to development of the technical aspects of a competency framework for built environment professionals and will work effectively with the team to develop educational materials based on research findings, as well as both independently and collaboratively carrying out research in urban modelling, big data analytics, and quantitative methods.

The key responsibilities and duties are: developing a competency framework with quantitative and qualitative methods; identifying and apply various digital tools for evidence-informed decision-making in project tasks; developing educational materials based on research findings; and delivering the designed educational materials to a high standard using effective and appropriate methods.

The skills, qualifications and experience required to perform the role are a PhD in a relevant subject which may include Architecture and Planning, Quantitative Geography & Urban Studies, Computer Science or Civil Engineering; a broad knowledge of emerging digital tools and smart city technologies in urban studies (such as CIM, digital twins, advanced data management, sensors); in-depth knowledge of quantitative methods (such as urban modelling, data mining, statistical analysis); programming experience (such as in Python, R, Matlab, or C++); teaching experience at higher education level; excellent communication and writing skills, including presentation and collaborative skills across disciplines; and research interest in issues of urban governance, urban planning and policy making.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD (or equivalent professional experience). Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 18 months in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter and the contact details of two referees, in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Jemma Andrews by email: [email protected]

Please quote reference NM27582 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Further information
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