Senior Research Assistant/Research Assistant I/II in Urban Survey and Mobility Data Analytics

Senior Research Assistant/Research Assistant I/II in Urban Survey and Mobility Data Analytics

Applications are invited for appointment as Senior Research Assistant/Research Assistant I/II in Urban Survey and Mobility Data Analytics in the Department of Urban Planning and Design at the University of Hong Kong (Ref.: 532557).

This post offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to pioneering research in urban analytics, addressing both digital and physical dimensions of urban living. The emphasis is on large-scale lifestyle simulation and city-wide travel and activity modelling.

We seek candidates with expertise in at least one of the following areas: (1) Survey data analytics: Handling and analysing large-scale survey datasets (over 10,000 respondents); and (2) Mobility data analytics: Modelling and analysing individual mobility datasets (over 20 million users). Candidates with experience in both areas are particularly encouraged to apply. Please clearly indicate in your application which area(s) you are qualified for.

Duties and Responsibilities

Depending on area(s) of expertise, the appointee’s responsibilities will include:

(1) Nationwide survey data analytics

• Managing, cleaning, and analysing two waves of nationwide survey data collected from over 8,000 participants across 80 cities in China
• Investigating residents’ location choices and mobility patterns in the digital era
• Conducting rigorous statistical analysis and preparing findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals

(2) Large-scale individual mobility data analytics

• Processing and modelling massive location-based services datasets, covering over 20 million anonymous individuals
• Developing and applying computational methods to study travel behaviour, daily activity patterns, and urban flows at scale
• Visualising and interpreting mobility data to support urban planning research

Common duties include supporting the integration of survey data with mobility datasets where relevant, and contributing to the development of novel analytical approaches for predicting urban behavioural trends.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree or above in Transportation, Statistics, Geography, Social Sciences, Urban Planning, Data Science, or a related discipline. For the Senior Research Assistant position, at least two years of relevant post-qualification experience is required
• Proficiency in R, Python, STATA, or similar platforms for data analysis
• Strong quantitative and data visualisation skills
• Excellent command of both written and spoken English and Chinese
• Ability to learn new statistical or computational methods independently
• Experience with population synthesis or integrating heterogeneous datasets is an advantage

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview. Enquires about the post can be sent to Prof Tianren Yang (e-mail: tianren@hku.hk).

What We Offer

The position is available immediately and is initially for a term of six months to one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, in addition to annual leave and medical benefits.

How to Apply

The University accepts only online application for this position. Interested candidates should apply online, uploading an up-to-date CV and a cover letter/statement of interest (specifying which area(s) they are applying for). Application review will begin immediately and continue until August 30, 2025, or until the position is filled, whichever comes first.