New Chapter: Joining the Geographic Data Service (GeoDS) as Research Data Scientist
Stepping into a permanent role at the University of Liverpool to harness Smart Data for understanding and addressing regional spatial inequalities.
A New Chapter in Liverpool
I am delighted to announce that I have taken on a permanent role as a Research Data Scientist within the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)-funded Geographic Data Service (GeoDS) at the University of Liverpool!
Working closely with Professor Alex Singleton and the research and data services team, this role marks an exciting transition following the completion of my Integrated Masters-PhD in Data Analytics and Society. I am thrilled to continue my academic journey in-person on the Liverpool campus within the Department of Geography and Planning, continuing to explore the intersection of computational spatial science, policy impact, and regional equity.
Research Data Scientist (Permanent)
Geographic Data Service (GeoDS)
Geography and Planning, School of Environmental Sciences
University of Liverpool • Liverpool Campus (In-Person)
The Mission: Unlocking the Power of Smart Data for Social Good
The Geographic Data Service (GeoDS), part of the UKRI Smart Data Research UK programme, leads national academic collaboration with industry, government, and the third sector to extract real-world value from emerging forms of Smart Data.
While traditional national statistics and decennial censuses provide invaluable structural baselines, they struggle to capture fast-moving social, environmental, and economic shifts. GeoDS employs cutting-edge geographic methodologies that integrate rich, non-traditional Smart Data sources—such as consumer lifestyle records, footfall telemetry, mobility feeds, and administrative datasets—with nationally representative benchmarks.
Our core objective is both analytical and ethical: to rigorously identify the multi-scalar social and economic inequalities that persist within and between UK regions, unpack their underlying causal mechanisms, and translate those discoveries into actionable evidence for policies aimed at fostering greater prosperity, resilient high streets, and equal opportunities for all.
What I'll Be Focusing On
This role bridges the interface between rigorous computational methodology and direct policy application. My core activities and responsibilities encompass:
Substantive Applied Research
Applying quantitative spatial data science (Python, R) to pressing challenges in population dynamics, transport accessibility, retail geography, and geodemographic classifications across UK regions.
Interactive Tools & Dashboards
Engineering modern proof-of-concept web tools, interactive visualization dashboards (Streamlit, Dash), and spatial data services (FastAPI, PostGIS, GeoJSON) to make spatial evidence immediately explorable for partners.
Machine Learning & Algorithm Design
Developing, adapting, and fine-tuning state-of-the-art machine learning models and spatial algorithms to handle large-scale, complex multi-source geospatial datasets.
Team Collaboration & Mentorship
Coordinating data science workflows, mentoring PhD researchers, engaging directly with public and private end-users, and contributing to new collaborative research and funding applications.
From PhD to Research Staff: Continuing the Journey
Having completed my undergraduate degree in Geography and Planning and subsequently my Integrated Masters and PhD within the department, Liverpool has been the foundation of my academic career.
Throughout my PhD, my research focused on agent-based models of retail centres, geodemographic classifications of consumer behaviour, and transport digital twin initiatives with domestic and international partners. Stepping into a permanent position within GeoDS feels like a natural yet exhilarating continuation of this work—scaling up computational approaches and applying them to diverse national datasets that directly shape how cities, regions, and public services adapt to the future.
Let's Collaborate!
Whether you are an academic researcher, a planner in local or national government, a Combined Authority team, or an industry partner interested in smart data, retail analytics, spatial modelling, or dashboard development, I would love to connect.