Be part of the world-renowned WorldPop Group at the University of Southampton, a global top 100 university (QS World Rankings 2021). WorldPop is an award winning, multi-sectoral team of researchers, technicians and project specialists working on producing data on population distributions and characteristics at high spatial resolution.
We are seeking to recruit up to two Research Fellows in Spatial Statistical Analysis and Modelling to work on generating high resolution population estimates. The research fellow(s) will design and implement spatial statistical models to leverage relationships between small area demographic survey data and a range of geospatial datasets to predict population distributions and characteristics at small area scales. The successful candidate will primarily contribute towards the work being undertaken for GRID3 (Geo-Referenced Infrastructure and Demographic Data for Development, grid3.org) in low- and middle-income countries, but the candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate on projects funded by the United Nations, the European Commission and other international organisations such as GAVI. Experience working on population dynamics and projections and population estimates for humanitarian preparedness and response is welcomed.
We require an enthusiastic, self-motivated, and committed data analyst and modeller with a strong spatial statistics background to work on (i) screening data sources and methods for population modelling, (ii) identifying biases, gaps and challenges, as well as ways to overcome them, (iii) contributing to the design and implementation of sampling strategies to obtain additional survey data, (iv) developing and implementing spatial statistical approaches, including uncertainty quantification and model validation, for the production of high resolution gridded estimates of population counts and demographic characteristics, and (v) engaging with, supporting and training of external partners, such as national statistical offices and international agencies. You will work as part of a multi-sectoral team of specialists, and under the supervision of the technical team lead (Dr Chibuzor Christopher Nnanatu (Chris)) and the relevant project lead.
As well as joining the vibrant and well-connected WorldPop team based at the School of Geography and Environmental Science, you will have opportunities to lead high-impact publications, deliver workshops aimed at training project stakeholders and present at local, national and international conferences.
Strong experience with spatiotemporal statistical analysis, geographic data, and programming is important. You will have a PhD or equivalent professional qualifications in a computational/statistical/quantitative discipline, ideally with a focus on the quantitative social sciences, such as public health, epidemiology, demography, economics, data science, or a related discipline.
The position is funded until August 2025, with a strong likelihood of extension.
The University of Southampton offers excellent benefits that will make your life easier, including a generous holiday allowance of 30 days, 6 additional university closure days plus public holidays. We will support your long-term future too, with access to a generous pension scheme with Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), subsidised health and fitness facilities and a range of discounts.
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.