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 YOU

The postholder will have a PhD degree (awarded or near completion) in a relevant discipline, for example, spatial data science, computer science, civil engineering (GIS). 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; strong familiarity with automatically generated human mobility data at disaggregated levels (e.g., mobile phone data), with proven ability to preprocess, manipulate, analyse, and visualise such data using advanced analytical and geospatial techniques; 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 summarise 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.

This research role is contributing to both PHOTO – ERC PoC project, and ERC StG project – realTRIPS. The focus of the role is on generating synthetic human trajectory data based on original mobile in-app data and survey data. The synthetic data should enhance the original while preserving key human mobility patterns for various urban planning and transport planning applications. 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 AI 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 a 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 technical 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 available from 1 September 2025 and is funded until 31 December 2026 in the first instance. Starting salary offered will be £44,480 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 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis. This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa. 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). The interviews with shortlisted candidates are planned to take place on 19th August. 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.