Research Assistant (Land Use Optimization)

Job Description

We are seeking a Research Assistant to support the project COMPREHENSIVE DECISION MATRIX FOR ADAPTIVE COASTAL PROTECTION PLANNING, which integrates urban planning, land use analysis, and adaptive coastal protection strategies. The role involves conducting literature reviews on coastal protection and land use planning, compiling and analyzing spatial and non-spatial datasets (including GIS-based data), and assisting in the development of decision-support tools such as multi-criteria decision analysis frameworks. The candidate will contribute to constructing a comprehensive decision matrix linking land use types with appropriate coastal protection measures, perform scenario and trade-off analyses across environmental, economic, and social dimensions, and produce maps, visualizations, and technical reports. Additional responsibilities include supporting academic outputs such as reports and manuscripts, and coordinating with project collaborators to ensure effective documentation and communication of research findings.

Job Requirements

Candidates should hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Environmental Science, Civil or Coastal Engineering, or a related field, and demonstrate strong analytical and research capabilities. Proficiency in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS or QGIS) and data analysis tools (e.g., Python, R, or MATLAB) is expected, along with familiarity with land use classification and spatial planning frameworks; exposure to decision-making models such as optimization or multi-criteria decision analysis is advantageous. Applicants should have a basic understanding of coastal protection approaches and climate adaptation concepts, as well as experience in literature review and technical writing. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and within an interdisciplinary team are required, while prior experience in coastal or urban planning projects or working with complex datasets is considered a plus.