Postdoc Opportunity in Infectious Disease Modeling at UC San Francisco

The F.I. Proctor Foundation for Research in Ophthalmology at UCSF is committed to engaging in research activities and providing state-of-art patient care that address infectious and inflammatory disease that cause blindness. The mission is the prevention of blindness worldwide through research and teaching focused on infectious and inflammatory eye disease.

The applicant Postdoc candidate will collaborate with Dr. Tom Lietman, Dr. Travis Porco, and Dr. Mike Deiner on forecasting trachoma control and pink eye epidemics.

The applicant will be the primary point of contact for the preparation of publications and reports on trachoma and pink eye forecasting, and conduct literature reviews on selected mathematical or statistical topics as needed. The applicant will collaborate with other investigators to ensure data from various international clinical trials are managed to the specificity of the project’s design. The applicant will contribute to the scientific work of the Proctor International Group and lead analysis and participate in manuscript preparations.

The applicant will have primary responsibility for the development of mathematical epidemic forecasts and simulation code. The applicant will also be responsible for the following: building mathematical/computer models that include specific testable predictions particularly as they pertain to the spread and control of trachoma and pink eye; preparing databases and cleaning them; critically evaluating reports, graphs, and tables for the PI and other investigators; investigating all problems that arise in a timely manner and ensuring that the study is progressing vis-à-vis the project milestones and when applicable in concordance with University and NIH guidelines; providing updates to the principle investigator and when necessary to the Project Officer at the NIH; preparing publication manuscripts and reports on trachoma and pink eye forecasting; developing novel methods for infectious disease forecasting; maintaining current knowledge of applicable scientific literature around trachoma, tuberculosis and leprosy; conducting literature reviews on selected mathematical or statistical topics as needed; participating in regularly scheduled and ad-hoc meetings with the principal investigator and other collaborators.

The applicant should have the knowledge or ability to learn advanced statistical methods including Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, particle filtering, and simulation of Markov chains, possess a working knowledge of a programming language (eg C++) and statistical software (eg R, Stata), and show knowledge of statistics, linear algebra, and differential equations. The applicant should also demonstrate a high level of productivity as evidenced by publications of original research or equivalent, the ability to work independently as well as the ability to assess and complete research to the highest level of research parameters and policies. The applicant should also have excellent interpersonal skills and have the ability to interact with a broad range of academic faculty, trainees, program managers, and staff. A PhD in biostatistics, biomathematics, computer science, or similar field is preferred.

For questions about this position and to apply please contact Mike Deiner, PhD, at michael.deiner@ucsf.edu and William Brett, JD, Clinic Manager, at william.brett@ucsf.edu. To apply, please include a cover letter, CV and contact info of three references.

A brief profile of the Proctor Foundation can be found at https://proctor.ucsf.edu/

UC San Francisco seeks candidates whose experience, teaching, research, or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.