Candidates for a postdoc position in modeling and analysis
of urban systems using big data created by human activity at Columbia
University, NY, USA.
POSITION
OPENING
Postdoctoral
Researcher: Modeling and Analysis of Urban Systems Using Big Data Created by
Human Activity in the Context of Disaster Risk Management
Columbia University is looking for
a postdoctoral researcher for a project aimed at the modeling and analysis of
urban systems using big data created by human activity in the context of
disaster risk management. This research fellowship is guaranteed for 1 year and
renewable for a second year. At Columbia, we have a rich community of
researchers investigating human-natural systems, and we believe the post-doc
will find the community of scholars an inspiring one. The central research
question is how to obtain and utilize big data on human mobility from
smartphones, social media, and public transportation records as well as to
associate human mobility with natural hazard data to make disaster planning
data-driven. Other cities in the project are Tokyo and Taipei with teams from
Japan and Taiwan as project partners.
Project
This project aims to design a
dynamic disaster response system accounting for complex disaster risks and
multiple scenario models by harnessing large-scale data and conducting field
surveys in and around major stations in metropolitan areas in Tokyo, New York,
and Taipei. Traditionally, disaster planning has relied on limited scenarios
regarding possible disaster scenarios. Notably, past planning efforts often do
not distinguish between event time of day, workdays vs. weekends, seasons, or
urban locations (e.g., indoor, outdoor, underground). Furthermore, traditional
approaches have failed to capture the diverse needs of the affected social
groups. The project will address dynamic disaster scenarios and the needs of
vulnerable socioeconomic groups in urban areas. To do so, the project will
integrate both scenario-based and data-driven planning while incorporating
sensor data and stakeholder engagement. The project will take a mixed-methods
approach while synthesizing data from various sources, such as from smartphones
and in-depth interviews.
Job descriptions
- Perform applied research on
quantifying, modeling, and predicting human behavior within the urban
environment, including mobility, social interactions, environmental
hazards, etc. in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team, external
research, and industrial partners.
- Analyze big datasets created by human
mobility and activity.
- Participate in applied projects with
stakeholders.
- Actively contribute to the design and
initiation of new research projects and ideas in the field of urban
systems and disaster risk management.
- Present research results at top
conferences.
- Co-author articles for publication in
leading peer-reviewed journals and top conferences.
Requirements
The successful candidates must
hold a Ph.D. (or nearing completion) in computer science, engineering,
computational social science, or a related field. Candidates would have
technical knowledge of human mobility as well as modeling and data analytic
capabilities to analyze big data on human mobility. Candidates with modeling
and data analytic backgrounds are also given particular attention. The ability
to work with multidisciplinary and multicultural teams (urban planners,
computer scientists, social scientists, and environmental engineers from Asian
countries) and familiarity with existing data and urban infrastructure in the
US settings is a plus.
- Experience in handling large datasets
with strong statistical analysis and modeling backgrounds is required
- Candidates must present a strong
publication record.
- Practical skills in R, Python, or
Matlab are expected. Other relevant technologies are a plus.
- Experience in human mobility is a
definite plus.
- Experience in Machine learning or
statistics is a plus.
- Experience in working with stakeholders
(e.g., planners, city officials, infrastructure officials) in the US
context is a plus
- Advanced verbal and written English
skills are required.
Application
To apply, please submit the
following materials:
- Resume or CV
- Cover letter addressed to the Search
Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and
specific interest in this position.
- Contact information for 3
references.
Please submit your application to Dr. Masahiko Haraguchi (mh2905@columbia.edu).
Position will start immediately pending release of funds from the National
Science Foundation.
For further information, please contact Dr. Masahiko Haraguchi (mh2905@columbia.edu) or Professor Upmanu Lall (ula2@columbia.edu).
For further information, please contact Dr. Masahiko Haraguchi (mh2905@columbia.edu) or Professor Upmanu Lall (ula2@columbia.edu).
Best regards,
Masahiko
Haraguchi, PhD
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