The Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is hiring a post-doctoral researcher. The post-doc will be responsible for developing forecasting models for infectious diseases including COVID-19 and influenza, as well as ensemble methods to combine forecasts from multiple models. Researchers at the Reich Lab (http://reichlab.io/) are leaders in this field; the lab is currently leading the COVID-19 Forecast Hub, a dynamic global collaborative research initiative (https://covid19forecasthub.org/), and we have previously led similar initiatives for forecasting influenza. We have close collaborative relationships with many academic groups and public health agencies at the state and national level.

Specific projects will be determined taking into account the post-doc’s interests and experience. Possible topics include ensemble forecasting of novel pathogens; mechanistic or statistical time series models for forecasting disease progression; using hierarchical structure or copulas to capture dependence across time and space; and the use of digital surveillance data to improve forecasts. In addition, depending on their interest, the post-doc could take advantage of professional development opportunities in areas such as leading large collaborative projects, writing grants, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, and, if desired, obtaining some classroom teaching experience.

Requirements:

• Strong quantitative background and formal training in statistics, machine learning, data science, computational epidemiology, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated proficiency with R or python is required.
• Doctoral Degree must be earned by time of appointment.

The target start date for this position is 1/4/2021, although earlier or later start dates could be negotiated. Review of applications will begin on 11/5/2020 and will continue until the position has been filled. The position would be for one year, with renewal based on available funding and performance. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and members of minority groups are encouraged to apply, and in assessing many qualifications of each applicant of any race or gender, we would favorably consider an individual’s record of conduct that includes students and colleagues with broadly diverse perspectives, experiences and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities.

Biostatistics Post-doctoral Research Associate
Reich Lab @ University of Massachusetts Amherst
Target start date: 1/4/2021
Application: https://careers.umass.edu/amherst/en-us/job/506573/postdoctoral-research-associate