[ES_JOBS_NET] Postdoctoral Researcher: Modeling and Analysis of Urban Systems Using Big Data Created By Human Activity in the Context of Disaster Risk Management, Columbia Water Center

[Christine Wiedinmyer]

http://water.columbia.edu/about-us/job-openings/

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 description

  *   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:

  1.  Resume or CV
  2.  Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
  3.  Contact information for 3 references.

Please submit your application to Dr. Masahiko Haraguchi (mh2905 at columbia.edu<mailto:mh2905 at columbia.edu>). Position will start in October 2020 pending release of funds from the National Science Foundation.

For further informatio, please contact Dr. Masahiko Haraguchi (mh2905 at columbia.edu<mailto:mh2905 at columbia.edu>) or Professor Upmanu Lall (ula2 at columbia.edu<mailto:ula2 at columbia.edu>).

________________________________
Postdoctoral Fellow Opportunity: Decentralized Water & Wastewater Treatment & Supply Networks

Columbia University is looking for a post doctoral researcher, for a 1 year, potentially extensible appointment, for research on the development and implementation of decentralized water and wastewater treatment networks. The central research question is the identification of existing or emerging technologies that could be applied at different scales ranging from household to clusters of houses or neighborhoods. The cost effectiveness, reliability, assurance of quality at point of use, and social acceptance at each scale is of interest. Sensors, remote monitoring, maintenance and control of the systems, and their deployment in different settings ranging from infill areas for urban renovation to low density rural settings is of interest. The successful candidate would have knowledge of the appropriate technologies as well as modeling capabilities to consider the design and evaluation of pilot systems. Ability to work with urban planners, architects and designers, and familiarity with existing regulations and the constraints they may pose in US settings is a plus.



  *   All interested candidates should submit their CV and cover letter to

Upmanu Lall<http://water.columbia.edu/about-us/job-openings/ula2@columbia.edu>



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