Research Fellow in Demographic Modelling/Senior Research Fellow in Population Forecasting

Full Time Fixed Term for 30 months

Wellcome FUTUREPOP project

School of Geography and Environmental Science and School of Social Sciences

Please note that this position is advertised at Level 4 and Level 5, but only one position will be recruited to, depending on the experience of the candidate. 

We are delighted to welcome applications for a research post in the area of population forecasting and demographic modelling as part of the FuturePop project, funded by the Wellcome Trust. The new funding is a collaborative project between the University of Southampton and the University of Bristol.

The project is led by Dr Laurence Hawker and Prof. Andy Tatem and aims to produce high spatial resolution (100m grid cell) global age/sex-structured population estimates for multiple socio-economic scenarios. This project extends previous work conducted by the WorldPop and University of Bristol groups by incorporating spatially varying patterns between covariates and population size, as well as by quantifying uncertainty around estimates.

This post sits within a FuturePop work package focused on the production of subnational population projections by administrative geography. Estimates at high spatial resolution are produced by disaggregation of such estimates and projections, and thus the post forms a key part of the workflow in this area. In particular, the post-holder will develop probabilistic methodology to produce estimates and projections of the global population by subnational areas.

The work package is led by Dr Jason Hilton, Dr Laurence Hawker and Prof. Andy Tatem, and the research position will be based in the Department of Social Statistics and Demography, but the post holder will also need to develop strong working relationships with colleagues in the School of Geography and Environmental Sciences and at the University of Bristol.

To be successful in this role you will have, or will be close to completing, a PhD (or have equivalent professional qualifications and experience) with a strong statistical or mathematical component, such as in statistics, demography, economics, geography, or mathematics. Essential attributes for the role are: experience in statistical modelling; proficiency in the use of R, Python or other equivalent programming language; the ability to plan and organise work independently and as part of a team; and the ability to write research presentations and papers. Additionally, knowledge of demographic projection methods, knowledge of Bayesian statistical methods, and/or experience of working with geospatial data would be an advantage.

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.

As part of our commitment to supporting our research community we are open to flexible working. We give full consideration to applicants that wish to work flexibly including part-time and those who have taken a career break. We also are proud to recently have been awarded the Race quality Charter Bronze award, where we have been commended for our commitment to improve race equality across the University community.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Jason Hilton, email: J.D.Hilton@soton.ac.uk.

Interviews will take place in w/c 20^th January 2025

The position is available from 3^rd February 2025, with the latest start date being the 1^st June 2025

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