Spatial Data Scientist at Midlands State University

job Description

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the following post:

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION DIVISION
Location: Place Alert Labs, Gweru Campus
Post: Spatial Data Scientist (Fixed Term Contract)

About Us:
Midlands State University, a premier academic institution committed to excellence, invites applications for the position of Spatial Data Scientist at Place Alert Labs (Gweru Campus). The Spatial Data Scientist will join a multi-country team funded through the US National Institutes of Health’s Data Science Initiative Africa, collaborating with King’s College London, Imperial College London, CeSHHAR Zimbabwe, and the University of Witwatersrand on an Africa-wide pollution and heat exposure project. This six-month contract, with the possibility for extension based on the availability of funding, offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the spatial extrapolation of models of air pollution (personal and ambient) and heat exposures in Sub-Saharan Africa using large, geocoded datasets collected using personal exposure monitors. The nature of the datasets to be analysed would make Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence mandatory tools for modelling workflows and analysis.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a Spatial Data Scientist, the candidate will work closely with other researchers on the project to develop and implement models for extrapolating both air pollution and heat exposures in space and time. Working in the context of a multidisciplinary team, the candidate will develop spatially intelligent algorithms for extrapolating exposures from sampled points to unmeasured locations in geographically diverse sub-Saharan African environments. This position involves repurposing large datasets from personal pollution and heat exposure monitors to derive exposure trends in space and time.

The successful candidate will:
-Utilise spatial data science (AI/ML) and statistical methods to derive environmental exposure (heat and air pollution) trends under varying exposure scenarios using a personal exposure dataset.
-Develop and implement algorithms for quantifying environmental exposure trends and extrapolating the same to unmeasured locations (based on sub-cohort measurements) bearing varying geographical characteristics.
-Collaborate with other researchers and stakeholders to understand project requirements and data processing workflows.
-Stay current with advancements in spatial data science and contribute to continuous improvement of model processes related to heat and pollution exposure characterization.
-Collaborate with the team to integrate spatial and temporal dimensions into overall data analysis strategies.
*NB: Midlands State University is an equal opportunities employer. In the interest of promoting gender parity, female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications and Experience

-A Bachelor’s Degree is a must in any of the following disciplines, Data Science, Data Analytics, Environment and Health, GIS, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Or a related field.
-A Master’s Degree is an added advantage in any of the following disciplines, Data Science, Data Analytics, Environment and Health, GIS, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Or a related field.
-At least three years post qualifying experience in spatial data analysis, GIS, and remote sensing.

Technical Skills:
-Computational skills and proficiency in data manipulation using Python or R.
-Strong statistical modelling skills, including predictive modelling techniques.
-Familiarity with spatial databases and tools (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, PostGIS).
-Knowledge of large cohort surveillance datasets.
-Familiarity with longitudinal data analysis techniques.
-Ability to creatively extrapolate trends across space and time using AI/ML and statistical methods.
-Proficiency in developing and implementing algorithms for quantifying and extrapolating environmental exposure trends.
-Proficiency in data visualization tools to present complex trends effectively.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit copies of applications with the following: application letter, certified certificates and curriculum vitae giving full details of names, place and date of birth, experience, present salary, date of availability, contact telephone number(s) and names and email addresses of three referees to:

The Deputy Registrar, Human Resource
Midlands State University

Application documents must be in a single scan pdf format. This closing date for this advert is 05 July 2024. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be communicated to.

Click to Apply / View More Information