e-Policy is a new project funded by the European Commission under its Framework 7 programme that aims to equip policymakers with integrated models, visualization, simulation and opinion mining techniques that improve the outcomes of complex decision making.  The project will involve expertise from computational social science, environmental engineering, optimization, machine learning and visualization.  It will use the formation of a regional energy plan in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy as a case study.We are looking for a researcher to help develop a multi-level agent-based model that will assess the value of alternative scenarios and the potential of various implementation routes.  The model will need to respect both regional goals and individual motivations and perceptions.This role may appeal to someone with a background in economic geography, land use planning, computer science, or a related discipline, and who has a thorough knowledge and experience of programming agent-based models in the social sciences. It represents an opportunity to develop a substantial base of empirical work to support research and build on the theoretical foundations in these fields. Interaction with stakeholders will be core to the work: experience in and enthusiasm for managing stakeholder interaction is considered essential.  The ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment is a requirement for the post, which will be available from October 2011 for 34 months.The project also includes partners from Italy, Germany, Ireland and Portugal. Some travel, especially to Italy, will be required. Salary: up to GBP 31,798 per annum (subject to experience and qualifications)For informal discussions about the post, contact Professor Nigel Gilbert at n.gilbert@surrey.ac.uk.To apply on line, please visit http://www.surrey.ac.uk/vacancies. If you are unable to apply online, please contact Rebecca Varcoe via e-mail on r.varcoe@surrey.ac.uk or by telephone on + 44(0)1483 686255 quoting reference 8278.The closing date for applications is 15 August 2011 and interviews will be held on 26 August 2011.The University is committed to an Equal Opportunities Policy Centre for Research in Social Simulation, University of Surrey, UK.   http://cress.soc.surrey.ac.uk