Vacancy: Postdoctoral research fellow

Job and project description

The Urban Analytics Lab at the National University of Singapore (NUS) is seeking a postdoc to join the group and spearhead research at the interface of the domains of the Lab:

• GIS/Geospatial technologies
• AI/Machine learning/Computer vision
• Digital twins
• Urban data science

Positioned at the intersection of academia, industry, international organisations and government, the nature of the work is computational and practical. The successful applicant will be engaged on novel research lines and may be involved in collaboration with industry in projects related to smart cities.

The research fellow will be supervised by the principal investigator Dr Filip Biljecki, NUS School of Design and Environment.

Candidates should have a computational affinity and a PhD degree (e.g. in computer science, geographical information science, geomatics, architecture, mechanical engineering, or another relevant field of study), preferably with a demonstrated track record (in terms of publications/impact and/or other forms of output such as development of tools).

The Lab will provide a motivating, conducive, and flexible environment to explore the research fellow’s interests and build skills required for future career steps.

Please note that this position is open only to Singaporeans and permanent residents.

Scope and responsibilities

Your key responsibilities will be:

• Conducting and leading research activities.
• Development of code and software prototypes to implement research methodology.
• Collaboration with other researchers and coordination.
• Exploring new research directions and experimenting with new datasets and technologies.
• Assisting the PI in various activities in the research group and project such as supervision/mentorship of other researchers and students, management, and assisting with funding applications.
• Preparation of publications and managing other forms of research output such as software and data.

Required qualifications

You should demonstrate that you possess:

• Singapore citizenship or Singapore PR.
• A PhD degree 🎓 in a related discipline from a reputable university. Current PhD candidates are eligible to apply as well, provided that they are in the final stage of their studies and that their PhD degree will be completed before the start of the appointment.
• An ability to conduct research independently.
• Experience with publications, writing skills, and a strong affinity to publish.
• Proficiency in one or more of the following areas: AI/ML, GIS, game engines, Geomatics, 3D city modelling, computer science, computer vision, urban planning, and/or urban simulations.
• Good communication skills in English, and an ability to present research in both academic and non-academic venues.
• Experience with programming.
• An ability to supervise others (e.g. students and junior researchers).
• Curiosity and passion to explore new concepts, methods and technologies, and capability of identifying and quickly learning the most suitable tools for the research on the go.
• A positive and proactive stance on open science, preferably with demonstrated activities such as using and developing open-source software, releasing data as open data, and promoting reproducible research.

Our offer

• You will be working on compelling research activities at the forefront of geographical information science and urban data science in a new research group that is gaining a strong momentum in Singapore and overseas.
• Possibility of collaborating with the industry and have an industrial attachment in the final stage of the project.
• You will advance your research and transferable skills required for the next stage of your career.
• You will work in a research and educational environment where you may not only contribute to your own development, but also to others, e.g. by supervising master theses that may arise as part of the research.
• Opportunity to make impactful contributions in the field, on a globally relevant and growing topic.
• Visibility and exposure of your work.
• Potential contact with industrial and governmental partners, both locally and internationally.
• A diverse, inclusive, and flexible working environment.
• Exploring new ideas and an opportunity to experiment with the state of the art.
• The remuneration will be determined according to the university’s salary range depending on the degree and experience.

Duration and start

The appointment is for two years, with a probation period of 3 months. This position is available immediately, however, the exact start date may be discussed.

Employer

Urban Analytics Lab

The NUS Urban Analytics Lab is an interdepartmental multidisciplinary research group established in 2019 focusing on urban analytics, geographic data science, and 3D city modelling at the NUS School of Design and Environment. Working at our Lab presents a rare opportunity to be involved in the entire 3D GIS ecosystem - from the standardisation and generation of 3D city models to the utilisation and visualisation of these models - in Singapore and Southeast Asia. You would also have the opportunity to continuously explore new frontiers in the geospatial field. Our department is consistently ranked among the best in the world.

Working at NUS means being part of a leading global university centred in Asia (the #1 university in Asia and world’s #11 according to QS 2021) with connections to an extensive network of experts across interdisciplinary domains. Beyond the university, our network and collaborations span scores of researchers around the world working on a variety of topics. Our Lab is located at SDE4, the first newly-built net-zero energy building in Singapore, and the first university building in the world to be WELL Certified Gold.

The principal investigator of the Lab was awarded the prestigious presidential young professorship in 2020, supporting the longterm development of the research group.

Application

Please apply by email (please write “Application for the postdoc position – smart cities” in the subject), including the following materials:

• CV
• Short cover letter (about one page) briefly indicating your computational skills, relevant experience so far, and interests. The letter should also include the expected availability / preferred starting date. Keep it short and simple, please. One paragraph for each of these points is sufficient.
• Optional: A copy of one first-authored paper published in a reputable journal that mirrors your background and research so far, and one that you are particularly proud of. A link to the article is sufficient, no need to include a PDF in your email.
• Names and contact information for three referees.
• Other materials that indicate possessing the required qualifications, e.g. link to a public Github repository you have developed, talks, and portfolio. Candidates who can demonstrate software development and computational skills will be preferred.

In accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), please provide consent for the collection, use and disclosure of personal data, using the NUS Personal Data Consent for Job Applicants form.

For general information about academic jobs at NUS, please visit NUS Academic Appointments.

We appreciate your understanding that only applicants shortlisted for the interview will be notified. Shortlisted candidates will later be asked to provide the full documentation, e.g. copy of diploma, letters of recommendation; these do not have to be submitted at this stage.

Contact

For more information feel free to contact Dr Filip Biljecki.