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Research Assistant - Urban Analytics Institute

Department: Ted Rogers School of Management, Urban Analytics Institute
Position supervisors: Dr. Murtaza Haider
Contract length: 1 month
Hours of work per week: 15
Position type: OPSEU Research Assistant
Start Date: ASAP
Rate of pay:  $21.11/hr minimum; depends upon qualification, and relevant experience of the applicant

About Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)

At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

Toronto Metropolitan University welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

As an employer, we are working towards a people first culture and are proud to have been selected as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and a Greater Toronto’s Top Employer for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. To learn more about our work environment, colleagues, leaders, students and innovative educational environment, visit www.torontomu.ca, check out @TorontoMet (external link) , @TorontoMetHR (external link)  and @ECItorontomet (external link)  on Twitter, and visit our LinkedIn company page (external link) .

About the Urban Analytics Institute

The Urban Analytics Institute assists partners with research and in implementing smart technologies, including big data analytics, deep learning, and artificial intelligence. The Institute strives to be a clearinghouse for global best practices for Smart City solutions. The Institute serves as a repository of urban data using state-of-the-art data archiving technologies.

The Institute’s mission is to collaborate with public, private, and non-profit sectors to devise and implement Smart City solutions for urgent urban challenges. 

The opportunity

We seek a graduate student or recent graduate in traffic engineering or transport planning to assist in a short-term research project studying the impact of various types of bicycle lanes on road/pedestrian/cyclist safety, and traffic and surface transit operations.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Review existing academic and grey literature on bicycle lanes and their effects on road safety, traffic and transit operations.
  • Identify and analyze publicly available and open data on traffic volumes, bicycle use, and transit operating times using sources like GTFS.
  • Assist in data analysis and contribute to drafting a research publication.
  • Collaborate with faculty and other researchers to ensure timely project completion.

Qualifications

  • Graduate student or recent graduate in traffic engineering, transportation planning, or transport planning.
  • Coursework or research experience in road safety, traffic modelling, or transportation planning.
  • Proficiency in working with open data sources for traffic and transit operations using R, Python, GIS, or other tools
  • Very strong writing skills.
  • Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit the following to murtaza.haider@torontomu.ca:

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • A sample of relevant research (e.g., thesis, project report, or publication)

Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The position is available immediately, and most research must be completed in January 2025.

We look forward to receiving your applications and collaborating on this exciting project!

Toronto Metropolitan University’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

  • We encourage all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples or Indigenous peoples of North America, to self-identify in their applications. If you are an Indigenous applicant and require support during the recruitment process, please reach out to James McKay, Indigenous HR Lead at james13@torontomu.ca.
  • Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and aims to ensure that independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity are embedded in all aspects of the university culture.
  • We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process,please reach out to Human Resources: 
  • All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.