Postdoctoral Researcher/Research Associate – Mobility Data Spaces, MaaS, & Governance Framework
Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, University of Galway
Ref. No. University of Galway 024-24

We are inviting applications from suitable candidates for one full-time, fixed-term, 18-month contract position as a postdoctoral researcher with the Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics at the University of Galway.

This position is funded through the Insight Centre for Data Analytics, Mobility as a Service for Ireland (MaaS4IRL), and Data Space Support Centre projects. The position is available from 1st March 2024 to 31st August 2025. We are looking to appoint a talented and enthusiastic researcher with excellent knowledge of transportation domain, Mobility as a Service (MaaS), data sharing, data collection and analysis methods, and conducting workshops with stakeholders.

Job Description:
The postdoctoral researcher will conduct research in the fields of data space, Mobility as a Service (MaaS) applications, mobility data spaces, and data governance and legal frameworks. The role holder will carry out this work within a well-established research group, collaborating with fellow researchers and PhD students who possess extensive expertise in data spaces, knowledge engineering, data analytics, and large-scale data processing. This group has a long tradition of applying their knowledge and skills across a diverse range of domains, including but not limited to mobility, healthcare, education, sustainability, smart cities, privacy, and digital humanities.

The role holder will conduct a study that will form the foundation of a Mobility Data Space and Mobility as a Service for Ireland (MaaS4IRL). The role holder will explore both national and international data sharing ecosystems and the data sources available within the transportation sector in Ireland. You will conduct data governance research as part of the MaaS4IRL project. In addition, the role involves facilitating innovation initiatives, particularly in the development of a Mobility Data Space and Mobility as a Service (MaaS) applications within the transportation sector. As part of your responsibilities, you will coordinate events such as workshops, bringing together key stakeholders in the mobility sector in Ireland to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The postdoctoral researcher will be located at the Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics at the University of Galway. The researcher will be supported in their professional development, be able to avail of a range of career level focussed training opportunities, have the potential to publish research findings in leading journals and international events.

Principal Duties:
• Conduct a comprehensive review of best practices related to establishing data sharing infrastructure and governance systems, with a specific focus on Mobility
as a Service (MaaS).
• Perform in-depth research and case studies on MaaS and mobility data spaces.
• Organize workshops with collaborators and stakeholders.
• Collect and analyse data/information related to MaaS and mobility data space.
• Develop recommendations for optimal approaches to enable MaaS in the Irish context.
• Compile findings into comprehensive reports.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, including government entities, transportation operators, and data providers.
• Identify potential legal, technical, and policy-related barriers to effective data sharing.
• Any other duties assigned commensurate to this level of post.

Qualifications/Skills required:

Essential Requirements:
• PhD in Information System, Computer Science or a closely related discipline or MSc Degree with 4 years full-time relevant research/industry experience after
primary degree.
• A proven track record of research performance, including publication and dissemination of results and collaborations.
• Demonstrated capacity to operate autonomously with dependability and efficiency while also fostering productive collaboration with colleagues and partners from
diverse sectors.
• Solid understanding of research methodologies, such as surveys and focused group interviews, for gathering and analysing data.
• Prior experience in conducting research related to transportation/mobility sector.
• Excellent communication and analytical skill.

Desirable Requirements
• Previous involvement in collaborating with stakeholders, particularly within the transportation sector, is advantageous.
• Understanding of Mobility Data Spaces and Mobility as a Service (MaaS) applications is desired.
• Research experience in the area of data governance.

Salary: Postdoctoral Researcher/Research Associate pay scale €42,782 – €54,965 per annum, (subject to the project’s funding limitations), and pro rata for shorter and/or part-time contracts.

The default position for all new public sector appointments is the 1st point of the salary scale. This may be reviewed, and consideration afforded to appointment at a higher point on the payscale (subject to the project’s funding limitations), where evidence of prior years’ equivalent experience is accepted in determining placement on the scale above point 1, subject to the maximum of the scale.

(Research Salary Scales – University of Galway) 

Start date: Position is available from March 1, 2024.

Continuing Professional Development/Training:
Researchers at University of Galway are encouraged to avail of a range of training and development opportunities designed to support their personal career development plans. University of Galway provides continuing professional development supports for all researchers seeking to build their own career pathways either within or beyond academia.  Researchers are encouraged to engage with our Researcher Development Centre (RDC) upon commencing employment – see HERE for further information.

Further information on research and working at University of Galway is available on Research at University of Galway

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie

Insight is the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Research Centre for Data Analytics. It is one of the largest data analytics centres in Europe. It seeks to derive value from Big Data and provides innovative technology solutions for industry and society by enabling better decision-making. It supports 450 researchers across the country in areas such as the Fundamentals of Data Science, Sensing and Actuation, Scaling Algorithms, Model Building, Multi Modal Analysis, Data Engineering and Governance, Decision Making and Trustworthy AI. More information on the Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics is available at www.insight-centre.org

Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Rafiqul Haque, akmrafiqul.haque@universityofgalway.ie and Christiane Leahy-Coen christiane.leahy-coen@universityofgalway.ie

To Apply:

Applications to include a covering letter, CV, and the contact details of three referees should be sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to Rafiqul Haque, akmrafiqul.haque@universityofgalway.ie

Please put reference number University of Galway 024-24 in subject line of e-mail application.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm (Irish Time) February 6, 2024.

Interview is planned to be held on February 2024

We reserve the right to re-advertise or extend the closing date for this post.

The University of Galway is an equal opportunities employer.

All positions are recruited in line with Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency based recruitment.