Research Associate in Urban Transport Analytics

**Job Purpose**
To make a leading contribution to the research and data service activities of the UKRI-ESRC-funded Urban Big Data Centre (UBDC). Specifically, working with Dr David Mcarthur and others, the job requires a background in quantitative methods and expertise in urban transport policy and analysis, or a related area of public policy. Supported by other members of the team, you will play a leading role in the production of research publications and research proposals.
You will have the opportunity to become familiar with new forms of data relevant to transport and urban mobility, helping to develop current data resources and identify new opportunities to expand these. You will play a central role in developing and supporting the community of researchers using UBDC’s Digital Footprints data. You will receive structured mentoring and explicit support for career development towards building research skills and experience, which includes helping to manage and direct complex and challenging projects, as opportunities allow.

**Main Duties and Responsibilities**:

Perform the following activities in conjunction with the Principal Investigator (PI) as appropriate:

1. Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research and data service activities, taking responsibility for a core element as appropriate, in accordance with UBDC objectives and Centre/School/College/University research strategy.
2. Write up research findings/outcomes for publication in leading journals for disseminations as appropriate. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting progress reports and papers as appropriate.
3. Establish and maintain a personal research profile and reputation, and enhance that of the Centre/School/College/University. Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, gathering indicators of esteem and identifying opportunities for knowledge exchange.
- Present work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance the research profile of the Centre/School/College/University.
6. Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies, planning and developing a line of research activities.
7. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the project and in the broader Centre/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. Academic and other collaborators/partners).
8. Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the Centre/School/College/University.
9. Take a leading role in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.
10. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the project, Centre and School, including budgets/expenditure.
11. Contribute to elements of teaching within a clear and established programme and carry out associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with PI.
12. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
13. Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Head of School and/or PI.
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**Knowledge/Qualifications**

**Essential**
A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) or equivalent in professional qualifications and experience with evidence of personal development in similar role.
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**Desirable**
B1 Knowledge of project-specific data sources
B2 Knowledge of specialist IT software as appropriate

**Skills**

**Essential**
C1 Ability to analyse and organise resources in order to manage time and workload effectively.
C2 Research creativity and strong cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.
C3 Ability to communicate material of a specialist or highly technical nature and to be effective both orally and in writing at a level appropriate to the activity, including public presentations.
C5 Proven initiative and judgement to resolve problems independently and/or as part of a team.
C6 Good leadership skills including demonstrable supervisory skills as appropriate.

**Experience**

**Essential**
E1 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field
E3 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals and/ or at conferences.
E4 Experience of independence as illustrated by