Research Associate in Participatory Urban Analytics

University of Glasgow; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Scotland is seeking a Research Associate to contribute to a project on climate-health adaptation in disadvantaged urban communities in Brazil. The role involves integrating climate and health data, participating in research activities, and contributing to scholarly publications. A PhD in geospatial data science or related field is required. This position offers a supportive work environment with opportunities for career development and significant societal impact.

Benefits

41 days of leave

Pension benefits

Discount packages

Free 6-month UofG Sport membership

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience in relevant disciplines.
• Strong foundation in geospatial data.
• Knowledge of participatory research methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead assigned research and data service activities.
• Write up research findings for publication.
• Establish and maintain a personal research profile.
• Develop and implement research strategies.
• Present work at conferences and seminars.

Skills

Geospatial data analysis

Participatory research methodologies

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

PhD in geospatial data science, urban studies, or public health

Tools

OpenStreetMap

KOBOToolBox

Job description

Job Purpose

The Urban Big Data Centre (UBDC) at the University of Glasgow invites applications for a Research Associate to make a leading contribution to the Wellcome Trust-funded project “Participatory Analytics for Climate-Health Adaptation in Disadvantaged Urban Communities in Brazil (PACHA).” This interdisciplinary initiative seeks to address the disproportionate impacts of climate change on health and well-being in Brazilian favela urban communities by developing innovative approaches to urban adaptation that combine data analytics and participatory methods.

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Professor João Porto de Albuquerque and in close collaboration with a diverse team of researchers and stakeholders. The role involves advancing a mixed-methods framework for participatory analytics that integrates climate and health data, intersectional multi-level analysis of vulnerabilities, and participatory action research. A central aim is to translate lived experiences into citizen-generated data that can inform equitable and transformative adaptation strategies.

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the co-creation of a digital platform and methodological toolkit designed to be adaptable across urban contexts in Brazil and Latin America. The postholder will engage with the development of a co‑created data generation/visualisation platform to integrate climate‑health evidence from community‑driven data, secondary data synthesis and cross‑sectoral workshops. The role requires a strong foundation in geospatial data and a demonstrated interest in participatory research methodologies that address social and spatial inequalities.

Candidates will be expected to work proactively across disciplinary boundaries, coordinating research activities and contributing to scholarly publications and funding proposals. The position also offers structured mentoring and explicit support for career development, including opportunities to lead complex research projects with significant societal relevance.

This is an intellectually stimulating role for a researcher with a PhD in geospatial data science, urban studies, public health, or a related field (or equivalent experience), who is committed to advancing methodological innovation at the intersection of data analytics, climate justice, and participatory urban governance.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

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 dissemination 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.
4. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy.
5. 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 project team members 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.
14. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan - Inspiring People – Changing the World.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge / Qualifications

Essential

A1 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) plus track record of emerging independence within a research/professional environment, or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level plus the requisite experience.

A2 A comprehensive and up‑to‑date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the relevant research disciplines as outlined in the Job Purpose.

A3 Well‑developed working knowledge of research methods, technical models, equipment and techniques relevant to the project/discipline as outlined in the Job Purpose.

Desirable

B1 Knowledge of community engagement or participatory research methods, including participatory open mapping, citizen science and participatory action research.

B2 Knowledge of specialist data‑driven citizen science and participatory mapping tools (e.g., OpenStreetMap, KOBOToolBox, etc.).

B3 Knowledge of user‑centred participatory design and agile project management methods.

Skills

Essential

C1 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.

C2 Effective organisation skills to manage time, prioritise and deliver appropriate research, teaching and administrative responsibilities.

Desirable

D1 Professional language proficiency in Portuguese would be a plus.

Experience

Essential

E1 Developing track record of research outputs compatible with enhancing the School’s research profile in accordance with School objectives.

E2 Experience of planning and progressing work activities within professional guidelines or organisational policy, applying initiative and independent judgement.

E3 Experience of making distinct contributions to identifying and pursuing research funding (or equivalent business development) applications.

E4 Proven commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage, including some experience of research project supervision.

E5 Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources and practices that support replication.

Desirable

F1 An emerging national or international reputation in research and an emerging publication track record.

F2 Experience with user‑centred software co‑design or participatory research with urban disadvantaged communities.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Joao Porto de Albuquerque, [e-mail]

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £41,064 - £46,049 per annum.

This post is full time and fixed term to 31 October 2028.

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

Job Details

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6‑month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under‑represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

Closing date : Monday 5 January 2026 @23:45