Position Description

Postdoctoral Scholar in Machine Learning and Data-Driven Optimization and Analysis

Future Cities Institute, founded by Caivan

University of Waterloo

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Job Title:                          Postdoctoral Scholar (University of Waterloo)
Hiring Institution:            University of Waterloo
Location:                          Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Application Deadline:       October 31, 2024
Salary:                              $70-75,000 CAD/year
Employee Status:             Full-time
Term:                               2 years with a possibility of a one-year renewal

Description:
The Future Cities Institute (FCI), founded by Caivan, is seeking an exceptional postdoctoral scholar to work at the intersection of machine learning and data-driven analysis, optimization, and decision making in the context of future cities (e.g., urban development, transportation, and resilient infrastructure).  They will be part of a research team with Drs. David Del Rey Fernández (Faculty of Mathematics), Stephen Smith (Faculty of Engineering) and Leia Minaker (Faculty of Environment), and will have the opportunity to interact with other faculty, Postdoctoral Scholars, and students associated with the FCI.

Applicants with a PhD in computer science, engineering, mathematics or suitable background are encouraged to apply. A proven track record of scholarly excellence is essential while experience in machine learning is considered an asset, as is prior work in interdisciplinary teams.

The successful candidate will work in an interdisciplinary team environment, with a focus on creating tools to enhance evidence-based analysis, optimization, and decision making in a wide array of topics related to future cities.  This position is one of three positions within a Future Cities research cluster that aims to significantly advance the field of urban data science that makes an impact on how cities are designed, built, and maintained. Specifically, the candidate will work closely with two other postdoctoral scholars to advance this field of inquiry and impact.

The successful candidate will take a leadership role in designing research projects, writing grant applications, and publishing research results for leading academic venues (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations) and for diverse audiences, including municipal employees, elected officials, developers, civil society organizations, and industry partners.

As a member of FCI’s collaborative interdisciplinary team, the incumbent will engage in activities designed to advance FCI’s purpose: fostering healthy and prosperous future cities and communities. These activities will include but are not limited to:

•          Mentoring undergraduate and graduate students

o   Support FCI students as they complete FCI-related thesis or interdisciplinary capstone projects

o   Provide leadership and guidance to the Future Cities Student Society

•          Supporting FCI’s knowledge mobilization (KMb) program:

o   Lead at least two KMb events each calendar year (e.g., delivery of student workshops, webinars, media stories, etc.)

o   Participate in FCI events (e.g., Future Cities Summit, City Sprints, etc.) as appropriate

o   Contribute to at least one article each calendar year to be featured on the FCI’s website 

•          Engaging deeply with the FCI team

o   Attend monthly meetings with other FCI Postdoctoral Scholars to discuss ongoing projects, opportunities for collaboration, and alignment with FCI priorities

o   As appropriate, participate in business development activities with prospective partners and/or funders

To Apply:
Qualified applicants should submit a Cover letter describing their research interests; a Curriculum Vitae; and names and contact information of three references (with phone, mail and email addresses). References will not be contacted prior to receiving the candidate’s consent to contact. Candidates may be asked to provide additional information during the search process.

Applications should be submitted by email to Dr. Del Rey Fernández (ddelreyfernandez@uwaterloo.ca), and Dr. Smith (stephen.smith@uwaterloo.ca).  Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, with full consideration assured for those received by October 31, 2024.