Research Fellows​/Senior Research Fellow

Be part of the world‑renowned World Pop Group at the University of Southampton, a global top 100 university (QS World Rankings 2026). World Pop is an award‑winning, multi‑sectoral team of researchers, technicians and project specialists working on producing data on population distributions and characteristics at high spatial resolution.

The successful candidate will design and implement methods to improve small area modelled human population estimates. This includes processing and utilising large gridded geospatial datasets to construct high‑resolution national, regional and global demographic estimates, exploring, testing and validating novel statistical and AI methods, and integrating these approaches into World Pop’s workflows. The role involves collaboration with partners from governments, UN agencies, big tech and satellite imagery companies, and may include data such as building footprints, geo‑embeddings, mobile phone or social media derived datasets.

The post holder will work within a team of researchers and partner organisations to develop and implement methods and impactful applications of the results, lead and contribute to high‑quality publications, present outputs to stakeholders and at national and international conferences, and provide external engagement across the World Pop group.

Strong quantitative skills and experience with large, gridded geospatial datasets. Ability to design and test analytical approaches, familiarity with statistical or AI methods, and experience in handling high‑resolution spatial data are required. The candidate should be able to work within a multidisciplinary team and communicate complex results to diverse stakeholders.

The University of Southampton offers flexible working arrangements, a generous holiday allowance of 30 days, 6 additional university closure days plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme through the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), subsidised health and fitness facilities, and a range of employee discounts.

The School of Geography and Environmental Science is committed to fostering a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion. Applications from candidates belonging to under‑represented groups, including people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, people who identify as LGBTQ+, people with disabilities and those from poorer and disadvantaged backgrounds, are particularly encouraged.

• ERE Level 4 job description
• ERE Level 5 job description

Informal enquiries may be made to Andrew Tatem ().

Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment at or  quoting the job number.