New predoctoral position, functional network analysis in air transport (ERC StG ARCTIC project)

IFISC offers a new predoctoral position, funded by the European Research Council through the ERC Starting Grant ARCTIC, on the reconstruction of functional complex networks representing the propagation of delays in air transport.

IFISC’s strategic objective is the study, exploration and development of information processing in and by complex systems. This comprises connecting existing approaches in different fields, developing common frameworks and the synthesis of novel information processing concepts. Within this context, ARCTIC proposes the study of air transport as an information processing system, in which information, for instance representing delays, is received, processed and redistributed by the different elements of the system. This requires, on the one hand, the application of techniques coming from computer science, statistical physics and neuroscience. On the other hand, results have to be expressed in economic terms, to understand the real impact that delays have in society, and the impact of propagation containment policies.

Your tasks will be:

• Develop software libraries to reconstruct functional network representations of the delay propagation taking place in the European air transport system. These will include different statistical models for detecting the propagation, as well as suitable data pre-processing elements.
• Use these libraries and models to study the behaviour of the European system from real traffic data, both in normal and abnormal conditions.
• Contribute to the definition of new ideas, metrics, and analyses.
• Presenting results in meetings and through manuscripts.

What we offer: 

• Up to 2 years full time contract, gross salary of approx. 18.000 €/year, plus mobility funds for research stays. The contract can be extended to 4 years using other funding sources – e.g. regional and national scholarships.
• Multidisciplinary, international and inspiring environment.
• The contract includes all the benefits of the Spanish public health and social security system.

Requirements:

• Familiarity with complex network theory, and with the concept of functional complex networks.
• Experience in the analysis of real-world data. Knowledge of Python will be essential.
• Ability for independent, analytical and out-of-the-box thinking.
• Knowledge of air transport and / or neuroscience, albeit not essential, will positively be evaluated.
• Master of science or equivalent academic degree. Note that the candidate must be able to enrol in a Spanish PhD program.
• English language fluency.

Application submissions should be made by sending an email to mzanin@ifisc.uib-csic.es, with “Predoctoral position 2023” as subject, and including:

• Letter of motivation
• Updated CV with full academic record
• Copy of previously-published scientific papers.

The position will remain open until filled.

Further inquiries about the position are welcome and should be addressed to the same email address.

IFISC is an equal opportunity institution. Applications to this position by female or minority group scientists are particularly encouraged.