Postdoctoral Researcher in Urban Analytics

**Department of Geography**
**Postdoctoral Researcher in Urban Analytics 100 %**: Start of employment 01.09.2025 (or as soon as possible thereafter)

The appointed researcher will lead a new research project focused on developing computational methods to support an equitable transition to net-zero transport. Key objectives include:

- Integrating traditional transport models (e.g., agent-based models, spatial interaction models) with data-driven approaches (e.g., deep learning) to enable generative scenario exploration - supporting the design and evaluation of interventions aimed at achieving meet net-zero and equity goals.
- Developing systems for measuring and tracking the impact of net-zero policies on mobility outcomes using continuous data streams from diverse urban sources. A long-term goal is to enable detection of deviations from model predictions as they occur.
- Designing methods to investigate the causes of real-world deviations from model predictions within the developed frameworks. Creating approaches to update model assumptions and fine-tune interventions in response to new data to ensure sustained progress towards policy targets.

The University of Zurich (UZH) is the largest university in Switzerland, with 28,000 students and 9,000 employees. As a member of the _League of European Research Universities (LERU)_, UZH is among Europe's leading research institutions. It offers a culturally diverse and inspiring working environment and actively promotes international research collaboration.

This position is ideal for an early-career researcher aiming to advance their academic or applied research career. The postholder will contribute to novel research in urban analytics while developing an independent research agenda aligned with the unit's mission, with the opportunity to shape their research focus. The role also offers career development opportunities, including mentoring and the chance to gain demonstrable experience and skills in teaching, research supervision, and securing research funding.**Your responsibilities**:

- Lead and publish original research aligned with the project's objectives.
- Contribute to teaching at the Bachelor's and Master's levels, including lectures and practical sessions.
- Actively participate in and contribute to research activities within the Urban Analytics Unit.
- Support the administrative and strategic management of the unit.

**Your profile**:

- A completed PhD degree in a related field.
- Experience with peer-reviewed publications in international journals.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Strong programming and analytical skills, with a commitment to open and reproducible research practices.
- Experience with statistical models, simulation models, and/or machine learning methods, with a willingness to further develop these skills in the context of urban mobility.
- Strong interpersonal and team collaboration skills.
- Fluency in spoken and written English.
- Knowledge of German is not required but would be an asset. Opportunities to learn German will be available during the appointment.

**What will help you thrive in this role**:

- Strong interest in critically evaluating and using both traditional modeling and data-driven methods, and how they can be integrated to address pressing societal challenges in mobility.
- Passion for supervision and teaching.
- Collaborative mindset and an openness to working with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Problem-solving attitude with the ability to approach complex issues creatively and analytically.

**Your benefits**:

- Competitive salary according to the University of Zurich's regulations. Postdoctoral Researchers typically start in Pay category 18, level 3.
- Full-time appointment (100%) with the possibility of part-time options.
- Holiday entitlement of 25 days per year plus public holidays
- Regular supervision, mentoring, and support for the next stages of your career.
- UZH offers attractive working conditions and opportunities for further education.

We offer a stimulating and supportive research environment, with diverse opportunities for collaboration both within the University and with external partners, as well as funding for research visits. Zurich and its surroundings provide a high quality of life, with rich cultural offerings and easy access to nature.

To apply, please upload the following documents in English in our job portal:

- A motivation letter explaining your interest in the position, how you meet the criteria, how you envision contributing to the research project, and how it aligns with your career goals.
- A CV, including a list of publications and contact details for three referees.
- Degree transcripts.
- An example of a significant research contribution you have made (e.g., a scientific paper, piece of software, or book), along with a 300-500-word summary outlining why you consider this contribution significant and describing your role in the re