Applications are invited for an experienced post-doctoral research fellow to work with Emma Davis in the Department of Statistics at the University of Warwick. This is a 3-year position that is part of the Royal Society University Research Fellowship grant VECTOR-X: Verifying elimination, capturing trends and observing resurgence using xeno-monitoring.

The aims of the project are to develop novel statistical approaches to understanding mosquito-based surveillance data and delivering data-driven modelling to support neglected tropical disease (NTD) elimination. The project will involve a range of methods, including mathematical modelling of vector-borne diseases, Bayesian inference and model fitting, geospatial statistics and health economic modelling, and will involve working with international stakeholders and cross-disciplinary
research teams. The primary disease of focus is lymphatic filariasis, but there is potential for expansion into other vector-borne NTDs, such as dengue, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis or onchocerciasis.

The successful applicant will be expected to develop and validate models of vector-borne disease transmission, initially focusing on incorporating a previously developed model describing the vector dynamics into a full transmission model framework. Potential onward project directions include model-informed survey design, cost-effectiveness analysis, and modelling wider threats to elimination, such as human movement, co-infections, spatial aggregation, and systematic access or engagement with interventions. The role will involve working closely with stakeholders and research teams from the global south, including supporting the development of new and existing collaborations and handling public health data, and facilitating capacity strengthening initiatives in mathematical modelling and statistical methods. The successful applicant will also have the opportunity to mentor junior researchers from the global south in developing modelling skills and delivering locally motivated research projects, with scope to move towards building research independence.

This is a flexible and open-ended project with substantial scope for the successful candidate to take increasing ownership of their research direction across the employment period. The successful candidate will have opportunities to develop research leadership through mentoring junior researchers, as well as to gain experience working within an international and cross-disciplinary research landscape. There is a generous budget to support international travel, conference attendance, training and professional development.

The successful candidate will be a highly motivated researcher with strong track record in infectious disease modelling and a passion to improve global health outcomes. They will be committed to delivering robust and reproducible research, including developing new mathematical and statistical approaches and proficient in at least one scientific programming language (e.g. Python, R, C++), with experience of publishing open-source code, and have excellent written and oral communication skills. They will also be enthusiastic about the development of mathematical modelling capacity in the global south and supporting the decolonisation of global health. Experience working with international partners would be beneficial.

Ideally, candidates should already hold a PhD in a relevant discipline and some post-PhD research experience. If you are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, but have not yet had it conferred, then you may still be eligible if your research topic is particularly relevant to the project; please contact Dr Emma Davis (Emma.L.Davis@warwick.ac.uk) prior to application to discuss eligibility.

We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.
We welcome applications from candidates seeking a minimum commitment of 0.5 FTE (18.25 hours per week). Depending on the successful applicant, we may offer the post at 0.5 FTE, with the possibility of extending the appointment beyond the initial fixed term, subject to funding and organisational requirements.