Job Description

Postdoctoral Fellow in Transport, Urban Environment and Spatial Data Science (Ref. No. 537709)

PEACE Research Group | Department of Geography | The University of Hong Kong (HKU)

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Fellow position in the PEACE Research Group at the Department of Geography, The University of Hong Kong (HKU). The appointment will commence on a mutually agreed date.

The PEACE Research Group conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of transport, environment, urban systems and human populations, with a particular emphasis on the application of spatial data science and emerging computational methods. Our team brings together researchers from diverse backgrounds, including engineering, data science, urban planning, public health and economics. We foster an open, collaborative and stimulating research environment that encourages interdisciplinary learning and innovation.

HKU and its Geography discipline are both ranked 11th globally in the QS rankings.

Qualifications and Requirements

Applicants should possess:

• A Ph.D. degree (awarded or nearing completion) in Transportation, Environmental Science, Urban Planning, Data Science, Public Health, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong quantitative analytical and problem-solving skills, with relevant research experience in urban environments, spatiotemporal data analysis, artificial intelligence or related fields.
• Excellent academic writing and communication skills in English, with a demonstrated record of publications in high-quality international peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong self-motivation, independence, teamwork and project management skills, with the ability to initiate and conduct research and contribute to interdisciplinary collaborations.

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in large-scale or cross-regional research, advanced AI or computational methods, or an outstanding publication record in leading international journals.

Research Areas

Potential research directions include, but are not limited to:

• Transport, Environment and Urban Systems
• AI-enabled Urban and Data-driven Research
• Human Mobility, Environmental Exposure and Population Health

Methods and Technical Expertise

Relevant methodological expertise may include:

• Applied AI, Machine Learning and Emerging Computational Methods
• Environmental Monitoring and Smart Sensing (Indoor/Outdoor, Mobile/Fixed)
• Remote Sensing, GIS and Spatial Analytics
• Spatiotemporal Big Data Analytics and Modelling

Candidates are not expected to have expertise in all the above areas. We particularly welcome applicants who can bring complementary disciplinary perspectives and methodological strengths to the research group.

A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, in addition to annual leave and medical benefits.

The University only accepts online applications for the above post. Applicants should apply online and upload (1) an up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV); (2) representative research publications; (3) a research statement or proposed research plan, outlining their research interests, relevant expertise and potential research directions; and (4) at least two academic reference letters from referees familiar with their research experience and academic potential.

Review of applications will start as soon as possible and continue until November 30, 2026, or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier.

The University thanks applicants for their interest but advises that only candidates shortlisted for interviews will be notified of the application results.

For enquiries about the position, please contact Dr. Junshi Xu at junshixu@hku.hk.