The proposed research project explores the use of advancedsatellite data to analyze territorial sustainability, focusing in particular onthe monitoring of network and nodal infrastructures and their environmental andsocio-economic impact (i.e. roads, airports, energy plants, production plants,ecc.). The main objective is to develop innovative and integrativemethodologies that use Earth observation (EO) technologies to provide solutionsand guidelines to land management problems. The project will therefore contributeto the valorisation of investments in the space sector with particularreference to the field of remote sensing applied to territorial developmentpolicies and to a more effective and sustainable management of naturalresources and infrastructures. The ultimate objective of the project is to beable to develop a replicable model that can be adopted in Italy and other EUregions and contexts for similar studies of territorial sustainability andyield policy insights and raccomandations. The candidate will be encouraged toadopt a multi-disciplinary approach and use a wide range of empiricaltechniques (discrete choice models, spatial econometrics, big data and machinelearning techniques, agent-based on experimental methods).

Candidates should preferably have an academic background ineconomics and data analysis and, possibly, knowledge of econometrics. Theyshould have good skills in data modelling, analytical capabilities, the abilityto handle and analyze large datasets, also through Machine Learning Techniquesand perform quantitative research within social sciences. Good knowledge ofStata, R and Python and of other econometric/programming software isparticularly appreciated. Ability and willingness to work in collaborative,multi-disciplinary environment and experience of both quantitative andqualitative research works are value added. Fluency in both spoken and writtenEnglish is required and working knowledge of Italian is recommended given thepotential need for field work.

The research activity will be mainlycarried out at the Laboratory of Applied Economics and the GRINSMultisciplinary Territorial Policy Lab and Mobility Research Center at theUniversity of Bari.

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