Research assistant in land-use decision modeling and landscape quality evaluation

The Chair of Planning of Landscape and Urban Systems (PLUS) is offering a research assistant position in spatial modelling for land use decisions and the evaluation of landscape quality in rural areas.

At PLUS, we are developing tools that connect spatial data with expert and stakeholder knowledge to support land use decision-making, the monitoring and management of ecosystems and landscapes, and landscape planning processes. Our projects address the information needs of governmental agencies or stakeholders at regional level, e.g. through land use monitoring, risk assessments, and ecosystem service mapping.

Your tasks will include the application of a land-use decision model, the creation of visualizations, and the collaboration in tasks related to monitoring and evaluation of landscape quality as well as informal strategic planning processes. Hence, you are familiar with working with GIS and passionate about working with actors using quantitative and qualitative social science and planning methods. The 80%-100% position is secured for 12 months, starting in May 2020, with a possibility of extension or continuation into a PhD. You will work in a dynamic and interdisciplinary group led by Prof. Adrienne Grêt-Regamey.

• A master's degree in Environmental Science or Engineering, Geography, Geomatics, or a related field
• Skill with GIS and experience working with remote sensing data
• Proficiency in English (written and oral) and French (oral), good German skills are an advantage
• Experience in spatial modelling (e.g. with Bayesian Networks) and with programming (e.g. in Python) are an advantage
• Readiness to travel to Madagascar approx. two times within 12 months