The Pathogen Dynamics Group, located within the Department of Genetics at the University of Cambridge is looking for a full-time postdoctoral Research Associate to work on a study developing quantitative approaches to explore the role of human behaviour in spreading pathogens, such as arboviruses and SARS-CoV-2.

This position will be based in Cambridge with Dr. Henrik Salje at Cambridge University. The successful applicant will also work with partners at the University of Florida and Johns Hopkins University. The applicant will have strong quantitative skills. In particular, the project will require the development of computationally intensive models and therefore applicants should have experience in optimizing code and parallel computing. We are also seeking individuals with a strong interest in public health. Individuals with experience of analysing pathogen genomes are strongly encouraged to apply.

The successful applicant will analyse existing and prospective datasets related to infectious diseases. The specific focus of these analyses can be determined, at least in part, by the individual's experience and interests. Example projects includes developing phylodynamic models that incorporate human mobility, local immunity to determine the spread of Zika, chikungunya, or dengue viruses using thousands of geolocated viral sequences from Asia; or characterizing the role of age-specific contact patterns and age-specific immunity in determining SARS-CoV-2 spread in different countries.

The Pathogen Dynamics Group at the University of Cambridge uses mathematical, computational and field research to help our understanding of how pathogens spread in populations, assess control efforts and support policy making. We work closely with an established network of collaborators across laboratories, field-based epidemiologists, hospitals and public health agencies. More details on the group can be found on our website (www.pdg.gen.cam.ac.uk).