"Research Associate in Participatory Urban Analytics"

The Urban Big Data Centre (UBDC) at the University of Glasgow invites applications for a Research Associate to make a leading contribution to the Wellcome Trust-funded project “Participatory Analytics for Climate-Health Adaptation in Disadvantaged Urban Communities in Brazil (PACHA).” This interdisciplinary initiative seeks to address the disproportionate impacts of climate change on health and well-being in Brazilian favela urban communities by developing innovative approaches to urban adaptation that combine data analytics and participatory methods.

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Professor João Porto de Albuquerque and in close collaboration with a diverse team of researchers and stakeholders. The role involves advancing a mixed-methods framework for participatory analytics that integrates climate and health data, intersectional multi-level analysis of vulnerabilities, and participatory action research. A central aim is to translate lived experiences into citizen-generated data that can inform equitable and transformative adaptation strategies.

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the co-creation of a digital platform and methodological toolkit designed to be adaptable across urban contexts in Brazil and Latin America. The postholder will engage with the development of a co-created data generation/visualisation platform to integrate climate-health evidence from community-driven data, secondary data synthesis and cross-sectoral workshops. The role requires a strong foundation in geospatial data and a demonstrated interest in participatory research methodologies that address social and spatial inequalities.

Candidates will be expected to work proactively across disciplinary boundaries, coordinating research activities and contributing to scholarly publications and funding proposals. The position also offers structured mentoring and explicit support for career development, including opportunities to lead complex research projects with significant societal relevance.

This is an intellectually stimulating role for a researcher with a PhD in geospatial data science, urban studies, public health, or a related field (or equivalent experience), who is committed to advancing methodological innovation at the intersection of data analytics, climate justice, and participatory urban governance.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Joao Porto de Albuquerque, Joao.Porto@glasgow.ac.uk

Closing date: Monday 5 January 2026 @23:45

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.