Research Associate - Pathogen Dynamics Unit (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pathogen Dynamics Unit at the University of Cambridge seeks a full-time postdoctoral Research Associate to analyze pathogen genomic data and model the spread of infectious diseases. The role involves working collaboratively on projects aimed at improving pandemic preparedness, requiring strong quantitative and coding skills within a public health context.

Qualifications

• Strong quantitative skills applied to genomic data.
• Experience in coding and computational modeling.
• Interest in public health.

Responsibilities

• Develop models integrating different data types.
• Write-up findings in manuscripts.
• Present findings at conferences.

Skills

Quantitative skills

Coding

Bayesian analysis

Public health interest

Job description

The Pathogen Dynamics Unit, located within the Department of Genetics at the University of Cambridge is looking for one full-time postdoctoral Research Associate to work on projects relating to how we can use pathogen genomes and the structure of UK society to understand the emergence and spread of infectious diseases.

The Pathogen Dynamics Unit at the University of Cambridge consists of 15-20 researchers at different stages of their career using mathematical and computational research to help our understanding of how pathogens spread in populations, assess control efforts and support policy making. We work closely with an established network of collaborators across laboratories, field-based epidemiologists, hospitals and public health agencies.

The position will be based in Cambridge and will be supervised by Professor Henrik Salje in a collaborative project with researchers at the University of Lancaster and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The project will consist of the analysis of SARS-CoV-2 genomes and contact tracing data collected as part of the COVID-19 response. The project will use phylogenetic and mathematical modelling approaches to understand the structure of UK society, and the implications of how we interact with each other leads to infectious disease spread. The finding from this work will help guide future pandemic preparedness.

The applicant will have strong quantitative skills, including applied to pathogen genomic data. The project will require the development of computationally intensive models and therefore applicants should have experience in coding and a good understanding of probability, likelihoods and Bayesian analysis. We are also seeking individuals with a strong interest in public health.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop models that integrate different data types (e.g., serology, epidemiological data, genomic data, demography) to understand the dynamics of pathogens
• Write-up findings in manuscripts
• Work with study partners
• Present findings at conferences, external and internal meetings
• Be an active member of the Pathogen Dynamics Unit, including contributing to wider group discussions
• Supervision of students/Interns working in support of the research group

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

For informal enquiries about the role please contact Professor Henrik Salje [e-mail]

Please quote reference PC45972 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Further information

• Further Particulars