Working at the Charité

The Charité Centre for Global Health seeks a PhD Student/Scientific Assistant to investigate how artificial intelligence could transform our approach to behavioural modelling in infectious diseases. Major social contact surveys (such as POLYMOD and CoMix) and narrative reports from outbreaks contain detailed behavioural information that current modelling approaches rarely utilise fully. The project will explore potential advances in two complementary directions: using AI to enhance how we collect behavioural data through intelligent interview techniques, and investigating methods to translate such behavioural insights into realistic agent-based models. A key focus will be developing rigorous approaches to assess these new tools against existing methods.

Job Overview

Develop methods to enhance both data collection and behavioural modelling
Creating AI-assisted interview systems for contact surveys
Exploring adaptive questioning techniques
Investigating automated validation approaches
The research will also examine how such enriched behavioural data could be used to develop more realistic AI agents for disease modelling, potentially transforming how we represent human behaviour in epidemiological simulations
The specific research direction will be shaped by the candidate's interests and emerging opportunities in the field, with emphasis on producing both methodological advances and practical tools for the modelling community
Scientific staff is given sufficient time to carry out their own scientific work in accordance with their employment relationship (in accordance
with § 110 BerlHG)

Required:

Essential requirements:

A master's degree in Epidemiology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or related field with strong computational focus
Strong programming skills in Python or R
Understanding of mathematical modelling principles
Interest in behavioural science and social dynamics
Experience with data analysis and validation methods
Strong English communication skills
Knowledge of research ethics

Desirable qualities:

Experience with AI/ML implementations
Knowledge of infectious disease modelling
Understanding of agent-based approaches
Background in behavioural data collection
Experience with survey methodology and evaluation
Experience with collaborative coding
Interest in public health applications

The application deadline is on: 06.04.2025
Reference number: DM.46.25 / 4409