About the project:
Predicting patterns of infectious disease spread and evaluating control measure effectiveness are of high relevance in epidemiological research. Agent-based Monte Carlo simulation models, integrating information from real observed networks, are among the most detailed and thus informative transmission models, as long as high-quality data are available for their parameterization. One of the most important parameters influencing the spread of disease is animal trade and other direct contacts among animals.
The aim of the project is to develop a disease transmission model for the pig population in Switzerland. The network-based model will be informed by official trade records, in addition to data on trade and premises characteristics from the industry, official database and semi-structured interviews with farmers and veterinarians. Social network analysis and econometric risk factor analysis will be applied prior to model development. The disease transmission model will be used to evaluate the premises-specific risk for disease propagation and effectiveness of surveillance strategies for porcine infectious diseases in Switzerland.

Requirements:
The preferred candidate will have a PhD degree in Science (Biology, Agronomy, Environmental Science, Epidemiology, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Veterinary Science). The project requires expert knowledge in advanced biostatistics, and knowledge in infectious disease modeling, network analysis and machine learning techniques. Statistical programming skills with R and Python are also highly desirable. Motivation and ability are required to develop software scripts and work on a computer cluster environment to analyze big amounts of data. Good English communication skills (written and oral) are essential. Knowledge of German or French or Italian is not essential but would be an asset.

We offer:
We offer an active and varied scientific environment, based in Bern, with lots of opportunities to learn and interact with other institutes from nearby cities Zurich and Basel and our partners in Germany. The University of Bern is located in the Swiss capital city of Bern, on the bend of the River Aare. Academic excellence has earned Bern an international reputation. The salary is set according to the Swiss National Foundation regulations (and according to the years of experience) for 10-20 months depending on the pensum (50-100%), starting in autumn 2020, negotiable. Research foci of the VPHI include applied research on modelling of infectious diseases, the surveillance of animal health and zoonoses and risk assessments in diverse animal species. The University of Bern is located in the Swiss capital city of Bern, on the bend of the River Aare. Academic excellence has earned Bern an international reputation. A large variety of education, sport and cultural opportunities as well as high living and environmental standards make Bern an attractive place for undergraduates, researchers and doctoral students.

Application:
Applications including a current CV along with a motivation letter and the names and addresses of two referees should be sent electronically to salome.duerr@vetsuisse.unibe.ch