We offer:
The JRC is now looking for a Computational Statistician/Epidemiologist to work on: (a) the assessment and improvement of approaches to integrating indicator-based and event-based surveillance systems for early warning of emerging epidemics and (b) retrieving data from diverse sources, transforming these in the appropriate formats, and developing statistical models to estimate the geographical distribution of risks of emergence of pathogens.
The project focuses on the dynamics and control of vector-borne and respiratory infectious diseases. The aim is to develop a framework for early warning based on methods that analyse data derived from indicator and event-based surveillance sources and to map the risk of pathogen emergence across different parts of the EU.
The successful candidate will work in a multidisciplinary setting of JRC staff and external collaborators. He/she will contribute to two or more of the above mentioned topics. The position offers and excellent opportunity to acquire experience and develop skills in working with complex epidemiological data on interesting research topics, as part of a highly productive team of scientists, helping to improve health in EU through high impact research.

We look for
A Computational Statistician/Epidemiologist who:
• has obtained a doctoral degree (PhD) in statistics/biostatistics, computer science, statistical epidemiology, molecular epidemiology, applied mathematics or other relevant disciplines, or has alternatively completed university studies of at least three years attested by a diploma in combination with at least five years of professional experience in a field relevant to the position;
• has a strong quantitative background with robust statistical and computational skills;
• demonstrated ability to conduct research utilising and manipulating large data sets;
• is proficient in Python, R, Matlab or other;
• has an excellent knowledge of written and spoken English (level C1);
• is able to work autonomously and as part of a team;
• can communicate scientific concepts in writing or orally.

Additional assets would be:
• a good research and publication record;
• knowledge and use of spatial statistics;
• demonstrated ability in the management of large data sets, including data retrieval, transformations and analysis;
• experience in the areas of infectious disease epidemiology, molecular epidemiology, surveillance of infections, spatial epidemiology, phylogenetics, phylogeography and
pathogen emergence;
• work in international research teams and multidisciplinary fields.

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 financial allowances for child support, expatriation expenses and support, annual travel home, moving costs, private health care, free enrolment to an European school for children, and a long annual leave. The employment is for a period of 3 years with a possibility of extension for a further three.

The JRC campus in Geel is located at an hour ride from the city of Antwerp and the Belgian and EU capital Brussels. Both of these cities offer between themselves tens of museums, theatres, cafes, restaurants, clubs and endless possibilities for entertainment. With its many universities and headquarters of many European institutions and international organisations, Brussels hosts a vibrant international community. Travel to France, Holland, Luxemburg and Germany is straightforward. London and Paris are less than 2 hours away with the fast trains. For those with children, the European school is just 5 min away from the JRC-Geel site. People in Belgium are generally multilingual, and nearly everyone speaks excellent English and French.