GCRO seeks Researcher/Senior Researcher in the field of GIS, data analytics, informatics and visualisation

The Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) is a research centre set up to build the knowledge base that government, business, labour, civil society and residents all need to develop a competitive, spatially integrated, environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive Gauteng City-Region (GCR). We undertake academically informed but policy relevant research, often in partnership with others; we collect, analyse and disseminate data and use it to benchmark the GCR locally and internationally; and we provide direct policy support to government working to the highest academic standards.

A key part of GCRO's success since it was established in 2008 has been the analysis and visualisation of spatial data. This is reflected in various projects under our Data analytics, informatics and visualisation research theme / programme, as well as various outputs such as the regular Map of the Month and a range of interactive data viewers. GCRO wants to expand and deepen its research in this field, especially in the areas of advanced spatial analysis and data visualisation.

The GCRO is looking to appoint a highly motivated and skilled Researcher / Senior Researcher with extensive (a) GIS and (b) data science and data visualisation expertise. The Researcher / Senior Researcher will be expected to lead or contribute to:

• Working with GCRO GIS staff (researchers and interns), provide strategic GIS leadership for the GCRO and its stakeholders.
• Lead and contribute to applied research projects in the GCRO’s research theme on Data analytics, informatics and visualisation.
• Working with other GCRO staff, undertake GIS analysis and research for and production of various interactive and static data visualisation outputs.
• Manage the ongoing development and maintenance of various applications, such as those historically done by the GCRO including the GIS viewer, and ideally innovate around new viewer applications.
• Undertake academic research and publish in academic journals.
• Lead and/or contribute to the day-to-day management of GCRO's geodatabases, the implementation of its data governance strategy (especially in light of new POPIA requirements) and the maintenance of its IT systems.

Selection criteria:

• Hold a Masters or PhD degree in disciplines such as GIS/Geoinformatics, Geography or Environmental Sciences, Information Systems, or Town Planning.
• Demonstrate extensive experience in GIS analysis, mapping and/or data analytics with a minimum of 5 years experience (GCRO currently uses a range of software packages both open source and proprietary).
• Possess good experience and knowledge of developing web data and GIS applications.
• Ideally have a working knowledge of statistical software such as SPSS.
• Have an interest in research in an urban context, in the field of advanced spatial analysis and visualisation.
• Registration with SAGC as a Professional GISc Practitioner will be an advantage.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete a short GIS practical exercise as part of the interview process.

If you have any further queries, please address them to: The Executive Director, GCRO, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050 or e-mailed to info@gcro.ac.za.

Closing date: 18 July 2021

How to apply:

To apply, submit a covering letter that specifically addresses the selection criteria; a detailed CV with names, addresses, contact numbers and e-mails addresses of 3 referees willing to provide references; written examples of applicable GIS projects, data visualisations or research, and certified copies of your academic/professional qualifications, i.e. degrees/diplomas and academic record/transcripts.

The GCRO reserves the right not to make an appointment.

External applicants are invited to apply, by registering their profile on the Wits i-recruitment platform located at https://irec.wits.ac.za and submitting their application. Internal employees are invited to apply directly on Oracle by following the path: iWits /Self Service application/“Apply for a job”

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right to verify all information provided by candidates.

Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.