Research Fellow in Modelling of Population Processes

Social Statistics & Demography

Location:  Highfield Campus
Salary:   £33,314 to £40,931 Per annum
Full Time Fixed Term until 2 September 2025
Closing Date:  Tuesday 14 February 2023
Interview Date:   To be confirmed
Reference:  1966222CC

We are delighted to welcome applications for a research post in the area of demographic modelling within the newly funded Connecting Generations Centre (CG).

The new funding is a collaborative project between the long-established Centre for Population Change (University of Southampton, University of St Andrews, and University of Stirling), the University of Oxford Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science, and the Resolution Foundation. Connecting Generations aims to innovate in knowledge and understanding of intergenerational relations and population change. The Centre is led by Professor Jane Falkingham.

This post sits within the “Modelling Kinship” work package of the CGC. The deepest and most lasting ties between generations are those of kinship, so evidencing how these may evolve in the future is key to understanding the challenges in ensuring fairness between and within generations as the UK population ages. This work package will develop an understanding of the possible futures of kinship relations in the UK using a variety of methodological tools, including matrix population models and microsimulation. 

This research position will be based in the Department of Social Statistics, within the Faculty of Social Sciences. The work is led by Dr Jason Hilton in coordination with Professor Jakub Bijak, Professor Peter W.F. Smith, and Professor Erengul Dodd. You will be part of a supportive group including the Centre Research Manager, other project Researchers and Faculty members, both within Southampton and partner institutions. 

To be successful in this role you will have, or will be close to completing, a PhD (or equivalent professional qualifications) with a strong statistical or mathematical component, such as in statistics, demography, economics, mathematics or computer science. Essential attributes for the role are: Knowledge of quantitative demography and matrix algebra; experience in statistical modelling; proficiency in the use of Python, R or other equivalent programming language; the ability to plan and organise work independently and as part of a team; and the ability to write research presentations and papers. Additionally, knowledge and experience of microsimulation modelling would also be an advantage.

The University of Southampton holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award demonstrating commitment to equal opportunities in the workplace.

Applications will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification.  The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon completion of PhD.  Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Jason Hilton, email: J.D.Hilton@soton.ac.uk.

The starting date of this position is 3rd April 2023 (negotiable, with the latest starting date being 1st October). Interviews will be held in March 2023.

You should submit your completed online application form at https://jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Jane Sturgeon (Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 2750 or email recruitment@soton.ac.uk. Please quote reference 1966222CC on all correspondence.