Come and join our team as a Mathematical Modeller - Modelling and simulation for vaccine development and policy, where you will lead the conceptualisation, development, optimisation and application of advanced mathematical and statistical methods to estimate health impact and to assess the contribution of existing and emerging malaria vaccines to malaria burden reduction and elimination. The role will inform research and development (R&D), policy, and implementation decisions relating to current and next‑generation malaria vaccines, including their combined use with other interventions and their application across different use‑cases to reduce or eliminate disease.

The role will work collaboratively with Professor Melissa Penny and members of the Global Disease Modelling (GDM) team, alongside multidisciplinary scientists, funding organisations, global health partners and policymakers engaged in malaria‑endemic countries. The successful candidate will also contribute to, and where appropriate lead, the preparation of scientific reports for stakeholders and the development of publications in open‑access peer‑reviewed journals.

Your duties will include, but not be limited to:

• Develop, optimise and apply mathematical, statistical and machine‑learning models to assess malaria vaccine impact, extend existing models, and address questions on disease dynamics and elimination.
• Design and maintain automated, scalable tools and workflows for data collection, quality assurance, analysis and dissemination, with strong documentation, version control and reproducibility.
• Work closely with modellers, software developers, scientists and partners in Australia and internationally, maintaining clear communication and providing timely project updates.
• Contribute to new research ideas and funding opportunities, and support or lead the preparation of scientific reports, open‑access publications, conference presentations and user‑facing documentation.
• Manage own research, coding, administrative and small‑scale project activities while staying up to date with advances in disease modelling, AI‑assisted methods and health data science.

Based at our offices in Perth, Nedlands, this is a full-time, ongoing position.

ABOUT YOU
To be successful in this role, you will possess the following:

• PhD or equivalent experience in mathematics, mathematical modelling, epidemiology, statistics or a related quantitative discipline.
• Strong mathematical and statistical skills relevant to disease modelling, such as differential equations, simulation models, Bayesian methods or Gaussian processes.
• Demonstrated ability to abstract real‑world systems and design appropriate mathematical or statistical models to address applied research questions.
• Strong programming skills in R, Python, or another statistical or mathematical programming language, with experience in data analysis and machine learning.
• Excellent numerical analysis skills, including the development of efficient algorithms and computational methods.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid environment, with strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and the interpersonal skills needed to deliver research from conception through to publication.

At The Kids Research Institute Australia, we are committed to building a workplace culture that reflects the communities we serve. We actively recruit, support and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ people, people of all ages, and those with diverse lived experiences. We also provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

If you meet many, but not all, of the role requirements, we encourage you to apply. We also welcome you to mention any career breaks in your cover letter to help us understand your journey.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in how we:

• Support staff-led inclusion and allyship groups.
• Offer flexible work practices that recognise different needs and life stages.
• Provide training, development and mentoring opportunities to increase inclusive leadership and create an environment where all staff can thrive.
• Partner with communities to strength cultural awareness and belonging.
• Ensure adjustments and accessible practices are available for diverse community groups.

We continually strive to measure our progress and improve where we can.

Alongside our inclusive culture, you’ll enjoy:

• Extra annual leave at Christmas and Easter.
• Salary packaging and entertainment benefits.
• Health and wellbeing programs with weekly events.
• Flexible and hybrid working options.
• Recognition and professional development opportunities, including LinkedIn Learning.
• Modern offices with sit-to-stand desks and end-of-trip facilities.
• Staff discounts on travel, IT, stationery, and access to corporate health insurance.

HOW TO APPLY
If this role feels like the right fit and an exciting new opportunity for you, please click on 'Apply Now' to visit our Career Site, view the Job Description, and submit your application.

Please include a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) that specifically addresses the skills and experience outlined in the “About You” section.

Applications will only be accepted through our career portal. If you are experiencing technical difficulties or require reasonable accommodations in completing your application, please contact recruitment@thekids.org.au

For questions related to the role please contact Melissa Penny (melissa.penny@thekids.org.au)