Human Resources Office

CUPDF: Research Associate - GIS

Position: Research Associate - GIS

Location: Ahmedabad, India

Number of Positions: 01

Term: Full-time on contract basis

Date of Posting: June 30, 2025

Closing Date: Open until filled

Reference Number: 202506/CoE/16

Anticipated Start Date: Mid-July 2025

Key Words: GIS, Remote Sensing, Programming, Urban Planning

About CEPT Urban Planning and Design Foundation (CUPDF), CEPT University

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India has designated CEPT University as a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Urban Planning and Design in December 2023. CEPT University’s CoE is housed within CEPT Urban Planning and Design Foundation (CUPDF), a not-for-profit company of CEPT University, Ahmedabad.

The main objective of CUPDF is to undertake action research and capacity building across cities and states. Its focus is on enhancing the effectiveness of urban planning and design by identifying urban problems, generating research-based insights and informing cities with tailored solutions to support the implementation of urban projects.

About the Position:

The Research Associate position is one where the candidate will be engaged in collecting and processing spatial data, including building footprints and base maps using GIS and remote sensing tools. The candidate will primarily support the CUPDF team's ongoing study on Figure Grounds of Indian cities. It involves creating figure-ground maps and analyzing urban form, growth patterns, and morphological characteristics of selected cities. The candidate will also contribute to developing digital tools and methods to study urban expansion and in-city redevelopment in the context of Indian cities. It will involve preparation of reports, maps, and visual content while supporting research writing at CUPDF.

Other tasks on the job may include:

  • Handling information requests, preparing correspondence, arranging conference calls, and scheduling meetings
  • Assist in content development and organization of capacity building workshops
  • Preparing materials associated with the publication and knowledge management functions of CUPDF
  • Assisting senior experts with group discussions, roundtables, etc.
  • Contributing to social media presence through occasional content development and exhibiting the work of CUPDF with a wider audience.

Reports to: Head / Deputy Head / Chair of Research at CUPDF

Essential Qualifications and Requirements:

  • Master’s degree in Geomatics/Geoinformatics, Urban Planning with GIS specialization, or similar.
  • Up to 2 years of relevant full-time work experience post Master’s degree; candidates without prior experience but with demonstrated potential will also be considered.
  • Familiarity with satellite imagery interpretation, GIS software, R, Python, and relevant software.
  • Working knowledge of remote sensing techniques and building footprint extraction.
  • Strong analytical and writing skills, with the ability to communicate spatial insights effectively through reports and visuals.
  • Showcase the ability to work well in multi-disciplinary small to medium-sized teams, balance multiple priorities, and work under tight deadlines
  • Excellent written communication skills in English
  • Strong time management and coordination skills
  • Ability to adapt to process changes and comfortable working with people at all organizational levels.

To Apply:

Fill and submit this Google form: https://tinyurl.com/cept-coe-3

List of Documents to be attached in the form:

  • Detailed CV
  • A cover letter indicating why you are interested in this position
  • A presentation with 10 slides showcasing your best work or portfolio or executive summary of a report authored by you to showcase your visual communication or writing skills.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Remuneration: Highly competitive and commensurate with the profile of the candidate.