We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the Johns Hopkins University Infectious Disease Dynamics Group (http://www.iddynamics.jhsph.edu) for a “placementship” with collaborators in the Navajo Epidemiology Center (NEC). This postdoc will contribute to efforts part of the Center for Accelerating Modeling Utilization and Synthesis (CAMUS), a new CDC-funded center of excellence and JHU, to build sustained capacity and implement modeling of infectious diseases. We are seeking a motivated PhD-level scientist who is interested in direct applications of disease modeling and epidemiology within public health agencies and for public health practice.

This “placementship” is a pilot effort to develop an effective mechanism that can both (1) build capacity in infectious disease modeling within a public health agency and (2) provide a forum for junior scientists in the field to develop skills and gain hands-on experience with direct application of disease modeling for public health response. The postdoc will have the opportunity to both build their academic research expertise and portfolio within JHU and to directly impact the health of populations in the US, particularly ones that often experience disproportionately high burden of disease.

CAMUS is intended to meet the critical need to establish permanent centers of expertise in applied infectious disease modeling, to maintain and expand on advances made during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to advance training programs for modelers and public health professionals before the next pandemic. To accomplish this, this project is focused on two overarching objectives: (1) accelerating the applied use of modeling in public health, and (2) developing a workforce capable of implementing these techniques, interpreting the results, and communicating them with the public health community and public. As part of this project, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with a broad team across Johns Hopkins University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and University of Massachusetts-Amherst, as well as with the CDC and other partner institutions.

The successful applicant will have the following responsibilities:
• Engage directly with the NEC and serve as a link to JHU’s team.
• Evaluate the disease and data landscape within the jurisdiction of the NEC.
• Develop analytical and modeling projects that aim to answer key epidemiological and public health questions in the Navajo Nation.
• Communicate models, results, data, and other topics to both the NEC and the JHU team.
• If desired, the postdoc will have the opportunity to develop and lead training activities and short courses.

The successful candidate should have the following qualifications:
• PhD and research experience in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health, or a related field
• Experience in the management of research, scientific, medical, or academic projects
• Experience in writing code in R and/or Python and experience coding in collaborative settings.
• Demonstrated competency in liaising between multiple project leads and institutions
• Willingness to spend part of the time at the NEC in Window Rock, AZ.
Successful candidates will be expected to eventually be based in Baltimore, MD, or at the Navajo Epidemiology Center in Window Rock, AZ, or a combination of these locations; remote work will be acceptable and may be necessary during periods of time.

Interested candidates should send their CV/resume and cover letter to Erica Carcelen (ecarcel1@jhu.edu).