CEOE People

Applications are invited for one PhD research assistant (RA) position (starting Fall 2023) in the Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences at the University of Delaware, to work on an interdisciplinary project combining qualitative social science investigation with quantitative data-driven analysis and modeling. The goal is to incorporate essential qualitative measures of human experiences into quantitative computational analyses of urban environments, aiming to inform urban designs that can better promote human wellbeing in the face of global environmental change. The RA will creatively use existing research methods (qualitative and quantitative) to investigate a wide range of urban areas, including relations with non-urban areas, develop innovative approaches for integrating and synthesizing diverse results at scale, design and implement computational algorithms to incorporate these research advances in urban models, and consider the social ramifications of urban models. The RA will collaborate in generating publications intended for diverse audiences. The position offers a competitive stipend, a tuition waiver, and subsidized health insurance.

Qualifications: Ideal candidates have a Master’s degree in a related field, with:

• Solid backgrounds in geospatial quantitative and computational methods, for example: knowledge in spatial analysis and modeling, geo-computation, spatial statistics; proficiency with one or more scientific programming language (e.g., Python, R)
• Experience with or a strong interest in developing proficiency with one or more of the following: qualitative research skills; social theory and history; community engagement
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong motivation and work ethics

Prior research experience in land cover land use science, geospatial data science; work, research, and/or volunteer experience with social dimensions of urban environmental issues (broadly defined); and/or involvement in interdisciplinary teamwork, are highly valued.

About us: The student will be co-advised by Dr. Jing Gao and Dr. Julie Klinger. Dr. Gao is a geospatial data scientist, and leads an interdisciplinary research team affiliated with Geography, Data Science, Computer Science, and Environmental Engineering, studying human dimensions of global change. Dr. Klinger is a human geographer, and leads an interdisciplinary research initiative with collaborations in the Earth Sciences, Data Science, English and Environmental Humanities, Physics, and Public Policy. Our students are encouraged to pursue multidisciplinary coursework and engage with diverse interdisciplinary experts.

The Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences offers nationally and internationally recognized Ph.D. programs in both Climatology and Geography, and a graduate-level certificate in Geographic Information Science.

The University of Delaware is a tier-1 research university and ranks among the top 100 universities in federal R&D support for science and engineering.

Newark, Delaware is a college town on the mid-Atlantic coast of the U.S. within 2 hours of travel to Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C., and New York City.

Application: Applicants should email Dr. Jing Gao (jinggao@udel.edu) and Dr. Julie Klinger (klinger@udel.edu) a CV, unofficial transcripts, and a one-page research statement connecting existing experiences and skillsets with future research plans. Applications will be reviewed continuously as they arrive. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and interviewed virtually in a timely manner.

The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Individuals from all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications are invited for one PhD research assistant (RA) position (starting Fall 2023) in the Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences at the University of Delaware, to work on an interdisciplinary project examining spatial urban land patterns resilient to future climate disasters. The goal is to identify and model regional-scale spatial urban land patterns that can yield long-term climate resilience. The RA will quantify spatial pattern characteristics of urban areas across the U.S., investigate associations between spatial urban land patterns and urban exposures to climate disasters, and simulate alternative urban land pattern scenarios using spatial optimization and data science methods. The RA will collaborate in generating publications intended for broad audiences. The position offers a competitive stipend, a tuition waiver, and subsidized health insurance.

Qualifications: Ideal candidates have a Master’s degree in a related field, with:

• solid backgrounds in geospatial quantitative and computational methods (e.g., spatial analysis and modeling, geo-computation, spatial statistics)
• proficiency with one or more scientific programming language (e.g., Python, R)
• attention to detail with data handling and analyses
• excellent written and oral communication skills
• strong motivation and work ethics

Prior research experience in land cover land use science, spatial optimization, big raster data analytics, geospatial data science, and/or interdisciplinary teamwork are highly valued.

About us: The student will join the Geospatial Data Science and Human Dimensions of Global Change lab led by Dr. Jing Gao. We are a growing interdisciplinary research team affiliated with the Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences, the Data Science Institute, the Department of Computer and Information Sciences, and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Our students are encouraged to pursue multidisciplinary coursework and engage with diverse interdisciplinary experts.

The Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences offers nationally and internationally recognized Ph.D. programs in both Climatology and Geography, and a graduate-level certificate in Geographic Information Science.

The University of Delaware is a tier-1 research university and ranks among the top 100 universities in federal R&D support for science and engineering.

Newark, Delaware is a college town on the mid-Atlantic coast of the U.S. within 2 hours of travel to Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C., and New York City.

Application: Applicants should email Dr. Jing Gao (jinggao@udel.edu) a CV, unofficial transcripts, and a one-page research statement connecting existing experiences and skillsets with future research plans. Applications will be reviewed continuously as they arrive. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and interviewed virtually in a timely manner.

The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Individuals from all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Hugh R Sharp is a University-owned advanced technology floating laboratory which supports oceanographic research funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), Office of Naval Research (ONR), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and academic intuitions throughout the U.S. Under limited direction of the Chief Engineer, the Assistant Chief Engineer is a U.S. Coast Guard licensed Mariner responsible for ensuring assigned engineering related systems aboard the ship are operating properly and performing routine and emergency repairs to keep the ship on mission projects. The Assistant Chief Engineer also operates deck equipment to deploy and recover research equipment over the side of the ship. Click here to learn more and apply

The Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences (GSS) at the University of Delaware, Newark, DE, invites applications for a Teaching Assistant Professor faculty position (non-tenured, continuing-track with a clearly delineated path to promotion), with an anticipated start date of August 2023. Click here to learn more and apply.