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Postdoctoral Researcher - AI for Urban Heat & Human Resilience: Smarter Risk Intelligence for a Future-Ready Dubai

Middlesex University Dubai
Dubai, UAE
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2 months ago
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Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to support the project: “AI for Urban Heat & Human Resilience: Smarter Risk Intelligence for a Future-Ready Dubai.” Dubai’s rapid urbanization has intensified the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, with significant increases in built-up land cover and rising land surface temperatures. This project aims to develop Dubai’s first fully validated, AI-driven urban heat monitoring and decision-support system, integrating remote sensing, field-based climatology, machine learning, and spatial analytics.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will play a central role in conducting advanced research on AI-powered land surface temperature modeling, heat vulnerability assessment, and spatial decision-support systems.

The position involves both desk-based research (systematic literature review and methodological design) and field-based implementation (ground-truth validation campaigns, stakeholder engagement, and data integration).

This is an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers or recent PhD graduates seeking to contribute to a high-impact, climate resilience project aligned with the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040 and UAE Net Zero 2050 goals.

This position is a full-time role (12 Months), requiring a PhD (or near completion) in Computer Science, Data Science, Climate Science, Urban Analytics, GIS, Environmental Engineering, or related disciplines.

1. Systematic Literature Review & Research Design

  • Conduct a comprehensive review of AI applications in urban heat mapping, remote sensing-based LST estimation, and Heat Vulnerability Index (HVI) development.
  • Synthesize global best practices and adapt methodologies to Dubai’s climatic and urban context.
  • Develop and implement machine learning models (e.g., CNNs, pixel-object classifiers) for high-resolution Land Surface Temperature (LST) estimation using multi-source satellite data (MODIS, Sentinel-3, Landsat-8/9).
  • Correct emissivity variations and improve classification of land cover types.
  • Generate seasonal and diurnal LST maps forming a dynamic “thermal atlas” of Dubai.
  • Contribute to academic publishing

2. Ground-Truth Validation & Field Campaigns

  • Design and execute field-based climatology campaigns across representative urban typologies (dense residential, industrial zones, coastal areas, labor housing).
  • Deploy and calibrate temperature and humidity sensors.
  • Conduct mobile thermal imaging and validate satellite-based LST outputs.
  • Develop validated, geo-referenced datasets for policy-grade accuracy.
  • · Design and compute Dubai’s first spatially calibrated Heat Vulnerability Index integrating:
  • Contribute to the design and implementation of a web-based GIS dashboard.
  • Support delivery of stakeholder workshops and training sessions.

Education & Experience

  • PhD (completed or near completion) in Computer Science, Data Science, Climate Science, GIS, Environmental Engineering, Urban Informatics, or related fields.
  • Demonstrated experience in AI/ML modeling and geospatial analytics.
  • Experience working with satellite remote sensing datasets.
  • Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Experience in collaborative academia–government or academia–industry projects.

Technical Skills

  • Proficiency in Python/R for machine learning and spatial analysis.
  • Experience with GIS platforms (ArcGIS, QGIS, Google Earth Engine).
  • Familiarity with remote sensing data processing workflows.
  • Strong quantitative skills in statistical modeling and index construction.
  • Experience designing and conducting survey/interview-based or field-based research (preferred).

Compensation

A competitive salary will be provided, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application Process

  • Interested candidates should submit:
  • A detailed CV highlighting academic and research experience.
  • A cover letter outlining interest in urban heat resilience research and relevant expertise.
  • Two academic or professional references.
  • Evidence of prior publications, research outputs, or technical portfolio.
  • Applicant should be based in the UAE and should have a valid residence visa

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