Job Description

Ref Number

B04-06031

Professional Expertise

Research and Research Support

Department

UCL BEAMS (B04)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Part time

Salary

See advert text

Contract Type

Permanent

Working Type

Hybrid

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

14-May-2025

About us

------------


The Bartlett Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis (CASA) is globally recognised as a leading academic department, researching and teaching the science of cities. A truly interdisciplinary centre, with staff hailing from backgrounds in subjects as diverse as Geography, Transport Studies, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Statistics, Planning, Architecture, the Humanities and the Social Sciences, for more than 20 years we have been combining theory with novel data, sensors, computational models, analysis and cutting edge visualisation to generate new knowledge and insights addressing problems with a spatial dimension and an urban and regional focus. Our work in inherently applied and looks to influence urban planning, policy and design in both the public and private spheres. Educating only postgraduates, our degree programmes have gained a reputation for excellence and inclusivity, with student cohorts also reflecting a hugely diverse range of academic backgrounds. Further information can be found on our website at https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/casa/

About the role

------------------


This research role is on the PHOTO - ERC-funded Proof of Concept project, also related to the ERC starting grant project - realTRIPS. PHOTO aims to develop a prototype human mobility trajectory data generator, producing synthetic human trajectory data from original mobile in-app data. The synthetic data should enhance the original data while preserving essential human mobility patterns. The role requires close work with academics at the Centre of Advanced Spatial Analysis (Dr Chen Zhong) and other team members on the realTRIPS project at UCL and with industrial partners on potential urban mobility applications. Duties and responsibilities will include: Review the latest literature on synthetic data generation methods and applications, particularly in the relevant fields of human mobility; Implementing and comparing the state-of-the-art DL methods; Designing new methods for generating synthetic trajectory data at an urban scale based on real-world mobile app data and national travel survey data; Designing metrics to quantify the reliability of synthetic data sets in various application scenarios (e.g., as an alternative to travel demand survey); Participating in group and departmental research meetings on research and project progress and discussions with the broader project collaborators; Participating in master student project supervision (only if research subjects are relevant and there is a need for technique support); Collaborating with researchers on realTRIPS projects and CASA-wide; Writing academic papers for conferences and journal publications in collaboration with CASA colleagues; Sharing academic outputs through project presentations, conferences, and any public engagement events; Adhere to guidelines on research ethics, data security, storage and protection. The post is offered on a part-time basis at 18.25 hours per week, available from 1 May 2025 and is funded until 30 September 2026 in the first instance. Starting salary offered will be in the range of 43,374- 45,622 pro rata, per annum, inclusive of London Allowance, due to limited amount of funding available. Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Research Assistant Grade 6B (salary - 38,607- 41,255 pro rata, per annum, inclusive of London Allowance) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis. This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information. We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible. For any queries about the role please contact Chen Zhong (c.zhong@ucl.ac.uk). A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page. To apply for the vacancy please click on the 'Apply Now' button below.

About you

-------------


The postholder will have a PhD degree in a relevant discipline, for example, spatial data science, computer science, civil engineering (GIS). Appointment at Grade 7 requires a completed PhD in a relevant discipline. Other essential criteria include: Excellent knowledge of a programming language for reproducible spatial data analysis and modelling (e.g. Python ); Good knowledge of research challenges in urban mobility analysis, modelling and applications; Familiarity with automatic generated human mobility data (e.g., mobile data) and ability to preprocess, manipulate, analyse, and visusalise this data; Good knowledge and experience in of ML/DL methods, e.g., Transformers, RNN, LSTM, and strong interests in Generative AI; Some experience in developing reusable coding or reproducible tools/softwares for the research team; Ability to review and summerise the state-of-the-art research of a given topic in a systematic way; Ability to communicate the research with people from diverse backgrounds (e.g., data analytics, transport planners); Proven ability to write up research findings in the form of peer reviewed journal publications and/or conference proceedings; A positive and flexible attitude with a willingness to take on new areas of application and to contribute to the development of the research; Good reliability, motivation and organisational skills in the workplace, able to manage a varied workload whilst still being able to meet deadlines and displaying evidence of the ability to complete tasks and projects to a high standard with limited supervision. For full list of essential and desirable criteria, please see a job description and person specification at the bottom of this page.

What we offer

-----------------


As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below: - 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days); - Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme; - Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE); - Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan; - Immigration loan Relocation scheme for certain posts; - On-Site nursery; - Onsite gym; - Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay; - Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service; - Discounted medical insurance. Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

-------------------------------------------------------


As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here : https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/