3 Senior Scientists or Postdoctoral Scientists in infectious disease modelling

3 Senior Scientists or Postdoctoral Scientists in infectious disease modelling

University of Basel
Published 22 January 2025
Workplace Basel, North West Switzerland, Switzerland
Category Health
Mathematics
Position Senior Scientist / Postdoc
3 Senior Scientists or Postdoctoral Scientists in infectious disease modelling

80-100%

The Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) is a world-leading institute in global health with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries. Associated with the University of Basel, Swiss TPH combines research, education and services at local, national and international levels. 950 people from 95 nations work at Swiss TPH focusing on infectious and non-communicable diseases, environment, society and health as well as health systems and interventions.

The Department of Epidemiology and Public Health (EPH) investigates distribution and causes of infections and non-communicable diseases. To understand and promote the well-being of people in different cultural and environmental contexts, EPH applies various methods ranging from anthropology and social science to biostatistics and mathematical modelling as well as observational cohorts with biobanks.

The Disease Modelling Unit (DM) develops and uses approaches in computational sciences, statistics and mathematical modelling to understand and address contemporary issues in infectious diseases and global health, primarily in malaria and neglected tropical diseases.

The Disease Modelling Unit of EPH is currently looking for:

3 Senior Scientists or Postdoctoral Scientists in infectious disease modelling (80-100%)

We are seeking 3 senior scientists or postdoctoral scientists for exciting opportunities to develop and implement disease and vector biology models to support decision making in health. There are many open questions in understanding animal and vector behaviour, and estimating the impact of new and current control interventions for the control and elimination of malaria, that can only be answered through quantitative analysis, disease modelling and simulation.
The successful candidate will join, and collaborate within, a multidisciplinary team within Swiss TPH and external partners, to provide evidence to global decision-makers, funders and product developers.
Although the core skillset needed for the 3 positions is similar, the focus of the research and the responsibilities are varied. Please specify which position(s) you would like to apply for and your ordered preference (if applying for more than one) and expand on this in your motivation letter

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES FOR POSITION 1 (CORE MALARIA MODELLING):

Applying mathematical and statistical modelling and simulation to improve understanding of malaria dynamics, help the development of novel interventions, and improve implementation strategies of current and novel interventions to reduce malaria transmission and disease burden, with a focus on vector control interventions. Tasks can include:

- Developing, calibrating and analysing mosquito and malaria models
- Analysing entomological and epidemiological field data (including data from randomized control trials)
- Running, aggregating and analysing results of large simulation experiments using individual- based models
- Interacting with external malaria modelling groups and epidemiological and entomological research partners
- Travel to conferences and partner field sites

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES FOR POSITION 2 (MALARIA AND CLIMATE VARIABILITY) INCLUDE:

Applying mathematical and statistical modelling and simulation to improve understanding of the relationship between climate, malaria control interventions and malaria incidence. Tasks can include:

- Developing and improving climate-dependent models of malaria transmission and intervention efficacy.
- Calibrating models to malaria intervention coverage and incidence data from Kenya, Senegal and Ethiopia.
- Running, aggregating and analysing results of large simulation experiments using individual- based models
- Interacting with project partners, including epidemiologists, entomologists, disease modellers and climatologists.
- Travel to partner sites in the 3 countries above, project workshops in Italy and conferences

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES FOR POSITION 3 (DOG MOVEMENT AND HEALTH) INCLUDE:

Applying mathematical and statistical modelling and simulation to determine the role of free-roaming dogs in the spread and persistence of infectious diseases in dogs. Tasks can include:

- Developing new models of local and regional dog movement and individual- based contact network models of canine disease transmission of dogs.
- Calibrating models to diverse data sets including data on dog locations and contact patterns, and serological data on infection status, genetic data on dog relatedness, and human behavioural data on dog movement (from Chad, Uganda, India and Indonesia).
- Analysing and conducting simulation experiments of models.
- Interacting with project partners, including experts in veterinary and social sciences, epidemiology, mathematical modelling and population genetics.
- Travel to partner sites in the 4 countries above and conferences

Your various responsibilities include:

- The responsibilities are listed above, depending on the position
- As outlined above, while the core skill set for the three positions is similar, the research focus and responsibilities differ
- Please specify which position(s) you are applying for and indicate your order of preference if applying for more than one
- Expand on your choice and preferences in your motivation letter

You should have the following experience and skills:

- PhD in mathematics, statistics or a related discipline. e.g.: quantitative epidemiology, ecology modelling, computational biology
- Strong mathematical and/or statistical modelling skills
- Strong programming skills (in at least one of Python, R, Matlab, C/C++), preferably with experience in working with a version control system (preferably Git) and in using high performance computing clusters
- Expertise/background and interest in areas of infectious disease modelling; epidemiology of parasitic diseases, especially malaria; vector ecology; and/or veterinary diseases
- Ability to deliver high quality research and to publish in peer reviewed journals
- Ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written English, with good presentation skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team on large research projects in a culturally diverse environment. Ability to initiate, plan, implement and deliver programs of work to tight deadlines

What we offer:

- Fully funded position for 2 years (salary according to Swiss National Science Foundation regulations) (with option to extend depending on performance)
- Active scientific environment across multiple disciples and skills
- Meaningful work in an international environment
- A state-of-the-art workplace in our new building
- Attractive employment conditions, versatile further education opportunities and mentoring

Job conditions:

- Start Date: immediately or upon agreement
- Duration: limited contract of 2 years with possibility of extension
- Percentage: 80-100%
- Location: Allschwil, Switzerland
- Travel required: position dependent (ca. 5-20%)
- Internal job title: Postdoctoral/ Scientific Collaborator

How to apply:

Please submit your application by stating which position you apply for online via https://jobs.swisstph.ch/Jobs/All') with:

- Concise CV (3 pages max.)
- Motivational letter including names and contact information (email or phone) of 3 references
- No reference letters needed at this stage

Swiss TPH strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values diversity in all its forms, including gender, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, and socio-economic background. We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for everyone. Together, we can make the world a healthier place. We look forward to receiving your application.

Please note that we can only accept applications via our online recruiting tool. As long as the position is online on our company website, we are open for new applications. Applications via e-mail or external recruiter will not be considered.

Contact:

Christina Bucher, Senior Recruiting Partner, +41 (0)61 284 87 59 for administrative questions.

PD Dr. Nakul Chitnis, Unit Head, Disease Modelling Unit, nakul.chitnis@ unibas.ch for scientific inquiries regarding these positions.

www.unibas.ch')

More information
In your application, please refer to myScience.ch and referenceJobID66368.