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- Tasks: Conduct research on urban resilience in shrinking cities using big data.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham, a leader in AI and data economy research.
- Benefits: Receive funding for fees and stipend, plus access to cutting-edge resources.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on urban challenges in the UK and China while collaborating with experts.
- Qualifications: Must have a 2:1 UK Honours Degree in relevant fields; programming skills preferred.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with local stakeholders and contribute to significant policy-making.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
- NERC DREAM-CDT funded PhD position in urban resilience for shrinking cities and big data
Tuesday, 07 August 2018 09:06
NERC DREAM-CDT funded PhD position in urban resilience for shrinking cities and big data
Topic: Building resilient cities in the shrinking paradigm: A UK and China comparison using new sources of big data
Funding eligibility: Funding is available for UK residents (fees + stipend) and EU residents (fees only).
Application closing date: August 15, 2018
Project description: Urban shrinkage is a common phenomenon throughout the world despite urbanisation being a well-established trend. With increasing globalisation, cities in both developed and developing counties experience economic downturn, population decline, de-urbanisation. Reasons and solutions of urban shrinkage have been discussed and documented extensively for developed countries (e.g. UK, US, Germany, and Japan). However, deeper understanding of urban shrinkage issues and how to resolve them in the developing world, especially in China with a large number of fast growing cities, is still lacking. Insights from developed countries could be learned in order to better address the challenges for building resilience into shrinking cities of the developing world. Northeast China provinces, including Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang, now known as the “rust belt” in China, have topped the chart in the number of shrinking cities due to resource depletion, deindustrialization, and demographic changes. Similarly, most of the top UK declining cities are in the north of England as a strong indication of the North-South divide. Core cities of North England, such as Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and Newcastle, share some common characteristics with their counterpart in Northeast China in terms of industrial legacy, aging population, and loss of growth power to support surrounding areas. Insights could be gained for those cities in both countries by a comparative study of their resilience to internal and external changes.
With a focus on Northeast China cities, this project seek to 1) identify and better understand the spatial, economic and social issues of shrinking cities and the underpinning mechanisms in relation to other Chinese cities, and 2) design adaptive strategies to build resilience into these cities through a comparative study of urban shrinkage in China and UK. This project will expand the existing research by combining the spatial, economic and social dimensions of human mobility and urban interactions and considering the interplay of all three dimensions in defining a multidimensional measurement and assessment of urban resilience. Furthermore, this project will promote the collaboration between the UoB research team and the Chinese stakeholders in order to incorporate local interests and benefit decision-makers with both general and place-based strategies in policy-making.
This project will facilitate the identification and acquisition of various traditional and novel sources of data, which can be leveraged them to gain better insights by leading-edge big data analytics and AI techniques. The substantive and methodological knowledge that this PhD project will generate will directly contribute to the UK Industrial Strategy Grant Challenge of Artificial Economy and the Data Economy as well as on the Key Policies on Infrastructure and Places. Moreover, this PhD project will contribute to the research objectives of the Alan Turing Institute, which the University of Birmingham recently joined. The latter signifies the broader recognition of AI and the Data Economy as a research priority for the University of Birmingham.
Qualification: Applicants should hold a minimum of a UK Honours Degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in subjects such as Geoinformatics, GIScience/Geocompuation, Transport Planning, Civil Engineering, Geography, Environmental Science, Computer/Data Science or Urban Planning. Applicants with skills in quantitative modelling or Python/R programming are preferred.
For further details: Please contact Dr Zhaoya Gong (Birmingham):
The Regional Science Association International (RSAI), founded in 1954, is an international community of scholars interested in the regional impacts of national or global processes of economic and social change.
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NERC DREAM-CDT funded PhD position in urban resilience for shrinking cities and big data employer: University of Groningen
Contact Detail:
University of Groningen Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NERC DREAM-CDT funded PhD position in urban resilience for shrinking cities and big data
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest research and trends in urban resilience, particularly focusing on shrinking cities. This will not only help you understand the project's context but also allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals and academics in the field of urban planning and big data analytics. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to make connections that could provide insights or even recommendations for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your technical skills by working on personal projects or contributing to open-source initiatives related to GIScience or data analysis. This practical experience can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare thoughtful questions about the project and its objectives to ask during any interviews. This shows your genuine interest and helps you stand out as a proactive candidate who is eager to contribute.
We think you need these skills to ace NERC DREAM-CDT funded PhD position in urban resilience for shrinking cities and big data
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Project: Read the project description thoroughly to grasp the objectives and focus areas. Highlight your understanding of urban resilience, shrinking cities, and big data in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV reflects relevant qualifications and experiences that align with the requirements. Emphasise any experience in Geoinformatics, GIScience, or programming skills in Python/R.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Write a compelling personal statement that outlines your motivation for applying, your interest in urban resilience, and how your background makes you a suitable candidate for this PhD position.
Gather References: Select referees who can speak to your academic abilities and relevant experiences. Ensure they understand the focus of the PhD project so they can provide tailored recommendations.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Groningen
✨Research the Project Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure to dive deep into the project description. Understand the key issues surrounding urban resilience and shrinking cities, especially in the context of both the UK and China. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your background aligns with the project's goals.
✨Highlight Relevant Skills
Given the emphasis on big data analytics and AI techniques, be prepared to discuss your experience with quantitative modelling and programming languages like Python or R. Share specific examples of projects where you've applied these skills, as this will demonstrate your capability to contribute effectively to the research.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions about the project, the team, and potential collaborations with Chinese stakeholders. This shows that you're not just interested in the position, but also in how you can contribute to and grow within the research environment.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Urban Studies
Express your enthusiasm for urban studies and resilience research. Discuss any relevant coursework, projects, or personal experiences that have shaped your interest in this field. A genuine passion can set you apart from other candidates and leave a lasting impression on the interviewers.
