Research Assistant/Associate in Geospatial Analytics at Newcastle University

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

Salary
Research Assistant £31,396 to £32,982 per annum, pro rata.
Research Associate £33,966 to £44,263 per annum, pro rata.

The Role
We are looking for a Research Assistant/Associate to support the operation of the Hub’s integrated data platforms, provide training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and conduct a parallel research programme in geospatial analytics.

Based in the UKRI GCRF Water Security and Sustainable Development Hub, we are looking for someone who has software engineering skills with experience in geospatial data management, analysis, and visualisation.

Global water security “ensuring a reliable and acceptable quantity and quality of water, and managing water-related risks for all” is foundational to sustainable development. Water is essential for human life, but also necessary for food and energy security, health and well-being, and prosperous economies. Some 80% of the world’s population live in areas with threats to water security. Between 1990-2015 more than 1.6m people died, and 5.5bn people were affected by water disasters, causing direct damages of US$2.5tn; whilst some 61% of the global population still do not have access to improved basic sanitation and 28% do not have safe drinking water, resulting in over half a million deaths per year due to waterborne disease.

To address these challenges, we have brought together researchers from across the university’s three faculties, as well as UK partner universities and collaborators in Colombia, Ethiopia, India and Malaysia in the £17.7m Water Security Hub. Our research extends from developing low-cost sanitation systems to improve water and environmental quality, including water quality sensors, especially for the poorest and most vulnerable communities to analysing regulations and governance structures, and to the social and cultural significance of water. We aspire to pioneer biological, environmental and digital technologies for global application, bringing the water sector into the 4th industrial revolution.

To be part of this, please apply uploading your CV and letter of application which outlines how you can evidence the skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the person specification (available on the university’s website, accessed by the ‘Apply’ button).

This role is fixed-term for a period of six months and we would be happy to welcome requests from candidates who are looking for part-time or flexible working patterns.

Please reach out to Jon Mills at jon.mills@newcastle.ac.uk to have a chat about this opportunity.