Research Associate (Post-doc, f/m) in the field of GeoSpatial Artificial Intelligence - Ref: 25-10

The Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER)

is recruiting a

Research Associate (Post-doc, f/m) in the field of GeoSpatial Artificial Intelligence

·      Ref: 25-10

·      24 months fixed-term contract (with the possibility of an extension)

·      Full-time, 40 hours/week (possible part-time arrangement)

·      Department: Urban Development and Mobility (UDM)

·      Work location: Belval (Luxembourg)

·      Deadline: March 28th, 2025 at midnight CET

The Department Urban Development and Mobility at LISER is seeking a Research Associate in Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI) to contribute to innovative research at the intersection of social sciences, geospatial data, and AI technologies. This position is tailored for a geographer or a social scientist who is passionate about applying artificial intelligence to geospatial problems within fields such as mobility, urban studies, spatial planning, or urban health. The candidate will use AI tools to analyze complex datasets, providing critical insights to address real-world urban and environmental challenges. While computer science expertise is not mandatory, the ability to work with AI tools to derive meaningful insights from geospatial data is essential.

Join us in exploring innovative research avenues that leverage the power of Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI). As a Research Associate, you will have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research that addresses key challenges in urban development. You will explore exciting areas such as applying machine learning models to analyze urban mobility patterns, identifying gaps in transport accessibility, and supporting the creation of sustainable mobility solutions. You will also leverage spatial clustering and predictive modeling to understand how urban design shapes social and environmental outcomes, and apply deep learning to identify environmental factors linked to public health in cities. By contributing to one or more of these impactful research areas, you will play a crucial role in driving data- and GeoAI-based decision-making solutions that enhance urban living and foster sustainable development.

Your role

In this context, the successful candidate will have four main missions :

-   Develop a thematic research agenda supported by the use of GeoAI in line with UDM's research directions;

-   To stimulate the use of GeoAI in decision-making processes and contribute to societal impact;

-   Produce high-level academic publications and submit competitive research proposals in line with the research agenda;

-   Foster collaboration on GeoAI between the two teams within UDM and inspire department members to embrace the advantages of these innovative approaches.

Your profile

-   Ph.D. degree in geography, social sciences, or other relevant field ;

-   Expertise in one of the following fields: environmental modeling, urban planning, urban health, transportation, socio-spatial inequalities, or related geographic areas ;

-   A good knowledge of AI/GeoAI (Machine learning, Deep learning…) and quantitative methods (statistical and spatial analysis). Completion of specialized courses or certifications in machine learning, deep learning, and artificial intelligence from reputable institutions is an asset ;

-   Programming skills in languages such as Python or R ;

-   Experience with GIS, remote sensing, and geospatial data mining ;

-   Excellent communication and collaboration skills ;

-   Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Proficiency in French or German will be considered as an asset to better understand the Luxembourg context

LISER particularly encourages female researchers to apply

What we offer

-   A dynamic and international research environment with attractive working conditions and a stimulating work environment ;

-   Flexibility in the organisation of the working hours and the possibility of teleworking ;

-   Competitive remuneration according to the Collective Labour Agreement in force (half of a 13th month salary, meal vouchers, etc.) ;

-   Investment in career support and development (trainings, seminars, participation to international meetings and conferences) ;

-   32.5 days of annual leave for a full-time contract.

How to apply

Please submit your complete application in English via https://jobs.liser.lu/jobs by including the following documents before March 28th, 2025 :

-   Curriculum vitae;

-   Motivation letter, in which you present your relevant skill with respect to the main missions (2 pages max);

-   A recent piece of research;

-   A Copy of your PhD diploma;

-   Two reference letters (uploaded with the application or sent separately to recruitment@liser.lu).

Deadline to submit applications: March 28th, 2025 at midnight CET

For any work-related question, please contact Prof. Martin DIJST at martin.dijst@liser.lu.

For administrative matters, please contact Mrs. Vanya KIROVA at recruitment@liser.lu.

Why LISER?

LISER is a publicly funded research institute located in Luxembourg and dedicated to applied empirical research in economic, social and spatial sciences. The Institute attracts top researchers from all over the world and high-level student training is a vibrant part of the Institute’s activities. LISER staff consists of approx. 200 employees, about 60% of the staff being researchers; mainly from the fields of economics, geography and sociology. The vision of the institute is to be a socio-economic research institute internationally recognised, focused on scientific excellence and societal impact, able to contribute through multi-disciplinary and intersectoral research, in an active and inclusive way to a sustainable and inclusive society at national and international level.

The institute is located on the new Belval campus in the south of Luxembourg (Cité des Sciences, Luxembourg), which hosts the University of Luxembourg and a substantial part of the country’s publicly funded research facilities, i.e. LISER, the Luxembourg Income Study (LIS) cross-national data centre, the Luxembourg institutes of Health (LIH) and of Science and Technology (LIST). Information on research in Luxembourg is accessible via the national EURAXESS platform.

LISER is an Equal Opportunity Employer