Mathematical/Statistical Epidemiologist

A research position available at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission in Ispra, North Italy at postdoctoral level to conduct a quantitative spatial analysis on the environmental and non-environmental factors for the emergence of vector-borne and respiratory infections, and develop risk maps of emergence of novel viral pathogens in Europe.

We offer:
The successful candidate will work in a multidisciplinary and productive team at the JRC and external collaborators.
S/he will conduct research on dynamical systems and their application in infectious disease epidemiology and contribute to the dissemination of research outputs through scientific conferences and peer reviewed journals.
S/he will work on the study of environmental and non-environmental factors affecting the health burden from vector-borne and respiratory infections in a globally changing environment.
Embedding new sources of relevant surveillance data, such as earth observation data, combined with routine epidemiological surveillance and environmental data, we use statistical or mathematical modelling, machine and deep learning approaches to develop a framework for the assessment, projection, and mapping the risk of infectious diseases at different geographical and temporal scales to inform public health decisions.

We look for:
A Mathematical/Statistical Epidemiologist with the following essential qualifications:
• A doctoral degree (PhD) in applied mathematics, physics, computer science, mathematical epidemiology, molecular epidemiology or other related field, or alternatively completed university studies of at least three years attested by a diploma combined with at least five years professional experience in a research or analysis field relevant to the position;
• Strong quantitative background with robust mathematical or statistical skills with emphasis on dynamical systems. Experience in application of spatial statistics and agent based modelling will be an additional significant asset;
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research utilising large data sets;
• Proficiency in Python, R or Matlab (at least one);
• Good oral and written communication skills in English (C1);
• The candidate is expected to be creative and work independently and as part of the team;
• Ability to communicate scientific concepts in writing or orally.

In addition, the following competences will be considered as an advantage:
• Knowledge and experience from the areas of transmission dynamics, immunity, host- vector-pathogen interactions, pathogen evolution;
• Experience working in international collaborative research teams and multidisciplinary fields and environment;
• Solid record of research activities relevant to the post, including publications in international peer-reviewed journals.

Conditions of employment and the place of work:
The JRC/European Commission offer a highly competitive remuneration package, including generous salary and a number of additional monthly cash allowances for child support, expatriation expenses and support, annual travel home, moving costs, private health care and a long annual leave. The posts are for initial 3 years, with a possibility for extension for further three.

Our team consists of active and likeminded scientists with interest in infectious disease epidemiology, molecular epidemiology, viral evolution, transmission dynamics and mathematical modelling, focussed on conducting and publishing interesting high impact research. Below is a sample of publications featuring some of our work.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41579-023-00878-2
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41579-022-00722-z
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/02786826.2020.1751055
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-45666-3
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15459624.2020.1845343

The JRC in Ispra is located on the shores of Lago Maggiore, in the southern foothills of the Alps. It is within an easy reach of some of the biggest skiing slopes of Europe and a two-hour drive from the Mediterranean coast. It is near the vibrant cities of Milano, Lugano in Switzerland and to the very well connected Milano Malpensa airport. Many world-class historic sites, such as Venice, Florence, Bologna, Rome, Verona, Pisa, Siena and plenty of others are a few hours train journey away. It is also a short distance from renowned wine and gastronomic regions in Piedmont, Toscana and Emilia Romagna. All the above provide exceptional opportunities for hiking, skiing, water sports, a rich cultural life, and contribute to an excellent quality of life.