Research Fellow in Mathematical Modelling of Plant Pathogens

University of Warwick; Coventry; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Warwick invites applications for a 3-year fixed-term position to develop and implement mechanistic models of plant pathogen spread. The role focuses on building efficient code to simulate spatio-temporal dynamics, fit models to data and explore robust control strategies in a pan-European project.

You will collaborate with world-leading mathematical modellers, plant scientists and pest managers across Europe, and contribute to policy-influencing results.

Qualifications

• Strong quantitative and computational background required.
• Experience with epidemiological modelling is preferred.
• Ability to develop novel models or extend existing ones to capture plant pest biology.
• Ability to develop highly efficient code for user-friendly platforms.
• Strong communication skills to interact with academics and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanistic models of pathogen spread and control.
• Create efficient code for simulating spatio-temporal dynamics.
• Fit models to data and validate against observations.
• Explore robust and effective control strategies across Europe.
• Work with diverse disciplines and contribute to policy-influencing findings.

Skills

Quantitative background

Computational modelling

Epidemiological modelling

Data handling

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

PhD (near submission or submitted)

Job description

Contract Type: Fixed-term contract

Fixed Term End Date: 12 October 2029

About the Role

3 Year Fixed Term Position

This is an exciting opportunity to be involved with a pan-European project working on the containment and control of key plant pathogens/pests. The role requires the ability to generate detailed mechanistic models, to develop highly efficient code to simulate spatio-temporal spread and control, to fit such models to data and to consider robust and effective control strategies.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with world-leading leading mathematical modellers, plant scientists and practical pest managers from across Europe and to help influence policy.

There is considerable scope to develop and extend a range of models in a number of novel directions.

Informal enquiries to be sent to Professor Matt Keeling - [e-mail]

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description (link here).

About You

Candidates need to have a strong quantitative and computational background and ideally experience with epidemiological modelling. The successful candidate will need to be able to develop novel models (or extend existing models) to capture the know biology of different invasive pests, and to develop highly efficient code that can be incorporated into user-friendly platforms. Strong communication skills are also important, as the successful candidate will need to interact with academics and stakeholders from a variety of disciplines.

Experience with handling complex data and fitting mathematical models to data would be an advantage. An interest in plant pests and diseases, or a willingness to learn, would also be helpful. An ideal candidate would also have experience of working in a team environment, as well as being able to develop their own ideas.

If you have not yet been awarded your PhD but are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant at the top of level 5 within the University grade structure. Upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of the level 6 of the University grade structure.

Full details of the duties and selection criteria for this role can be found in the vacancy advert on the University of Warwick's jobs pages.

£36,320 to £46,970 per annum