Research Associate/Fellow in Agent Based Modelling

University of Glasgow; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution is seeking a Research Associate/Fellow in Glasgow to contribute to innovative research in geospatial data science. The successful candidate will work on simulations, collaborate with top partners like Google and Uber, and will ideally have a PhD with experience in data analysis. This position offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to make impactful contributions to urban understanding.

Qualifications

• Experience in statistics, mathematics, computer science, or quantitative geography.
• Knowledge of data analysis, geo-statistics, agent-based simulation, and computational social sciences.

Responsibilities

• Simulate and model the behaviour of individuals or groups in cities.
• Collaborate with the Geospatial Data Science team and project partners.
• Enhance research profile through publications and societal impact.
• Lead and contribute to supervision, mentoring, and training of students.

Skills

Research creativity and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Self-motivation, initiative, and problem-solving abilities

Education

PhD or equivalent in relevant discipline

Tools

Python

R

Job description

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Research Associate/Fellow in Agent Based Modelling, Glasgow

Client: University of Glasgow

Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference: 97662629ca38

Job Views: 7

Posted: 12.08.2025

Expiry Date: 26.09.2025

Job Description:

Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to the growing research in Geospatial Data Science Group, this research associate/fellow will work with Professor Ana Basiri and the growing team to learn from geospatial data using a variety of methods and models. This post will have the opportunity to work on a few newly awarded research projects to understand human behaviour in the complex system of cities, with applications ranging from navigation to understanding minority experiences and their impact on urban change. The successful candidate will contribute to world-leading research, develop their career and team through high-impact outputs, research proposals, supervision of PhD and MSc students, and participation in conferences, seminars, and workshops.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Simulate and model the behaviour of individuals or groups, especially minorities, in cities using frameworks based on quantitative methods, computational social science, complexity theory, or agent-based modelling.
2. Collaborate with the Geospatial Data Science team at the University of Glasgow and project partners such as Ordnance Survey GB, Google, Microsoft Research, Uber, Meta, and the Alan Turing Institute to support the co-design of inclusive and responsible technologies.
3. Plan and conduct research activities aligned with project goals and research strategies.
4. Enhance research profile through publications, societal impact, and esteem indicators.
5. Present research at international and national conferences, seminars, colloquia, and workshops.
6. Support FAIR principles by making data and code repositories available and reproducible, and by writing blogs and reports.
7. Participate in team meetings, seminars, and workshops, and collaborate across the university and external community.
8. Lead and contribute to supervision, mentoring, and training of students and junior staff.
9. Engage in outreach, teaching, and administrative activities as assigned.
10. Ensure safety management related to laboratory and experimental techniques.
11. Engage in personal and professional development activities.

For Grade 8, perform duties with greater independence, leadership, and responsibility, including establishing an independent research track record and mentoring colleagues.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Essential:

• PhD or equivalent in relevant discipline; experience in statistics, mathematics, computer science, or quantitative geography.
• Knowledge of data analysis, geo-statistics, agent-based simulation, and computational social sciences.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of Geo-AI, spatio-temporal data, or volunteer geographic data.

Skills:

• Research creativity and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivation, initiative, and problem-solving abilities.

Experience:

• Postdoctoral experience or equivalent.
• Scientific writing and publication record.
• Ability to deliver high-quality research outputs efficiently.

For Grade 8, additionally demonstrate leadership, independent research, and a track record of publications and presentations.

Closing date: 1 October 2024

Terms and Conditions: Salary Grade 7/8, £39,347 - £44,263 / £48,350 - £56,021 per annum. Funding for up to 2 years.