Research Fellow in Urban Studies and Data Science

Job Summary:

The University of Southampton's School of Geography and Environmental Science, in collaboration with the University of Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government, is seeking to appoint a Research Fellow in Urban Studies and Data Science. The successful candidate will become part of a dynamic team working on an ambitious project aimed at addressing current challenges in planning delays and housing shortages across England. The ideal candidate will possess strong quantitative and qualitative research skills and a deep interest in development planning, housing, and/or spatial inequality. Responsibilities will include data collection and processing using statistical software such as R or Python. The role is funded by UK Research and Innovation under its “Creating Opportunities Evaluation Development Fund,” and would suit a strong graduate student with first-rate data skills.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a thorough review and summarize relevant literature for the project.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret both qualitative and quantitative data using appropriate methods and techniques, including handling very large datasets.
• Assist in preparing reports, scholarly papers for publication, and presentations for workshops and conferences. Exceptional candidates may have the opportunity to co-author these publications.

Qualifications and Skills Required:

• An MSc (or equivalent) in Urban Planning, Real Estate Economics, Geographic Data Science, Local Economic Development, or a related field.
• Experience with a variety of analytical methods and modeling techniques, particularly in analyzing quantitative data for spatial and geographic social science research.
• Proven ability to identify, collect, prepare, and analyze textual and geocoded data from a variety of public sources, such as council financial statements, committee minutes, and reports.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to problem solve
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to produce clear, concise, and well-structured written content suitable for publication.
• A history of effective participation in collaborative research projects is also desirable.

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given

Further Information:

Our team operates on a hybrid work model, primarily meeting via Zoom/Teams, with regular in-person meetings in London, Oxford, or Southampton as required.

Further details:

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.

This role does not qualify for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship. To explore alternative UK visas, see gov.uk.

Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.

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