Applications are invited for the post of Research Associate to the Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Modelling Methodology based within the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at Imperial College London. The HPRU has a core mission to develop novel analytical and computational tools to improve public health. The HPRU is led by Professor Neil Ferguson and Dr Peter White. Dr Marc Baguelin is HPRU theme leader on Respiratory Infections. For more information about the HPRU in Modelling Methodology, see https://www.imperial.ac.uk/hpru-modelling

We seek a mathematical modeller to develop innovative models and inference methodology to improve our understanding of the spatial spread of pandemic and seasonal influenza, and to use these models to evaluate the impact of control strategies (in particular vaccination) in the short and long-term in order to inform public health policies.

With the emergence of a new pandemic strain in 2009, the constant threat from cross-species emergence and the recent decision by the UK Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation to extend seasonal vaccination to school-aged children, there are few public health issues currently of greater importance than influenza transmission in terms of impact on the health of society. This project will contribute to the innovative research required to identify and rigorously evaluate optimal responses to the threat from circulating respiratory viruses.

The post is funded by one of the NIHR-funded HPRUs led by Professor Neil Ferguson and focussing on Modelling Methodology. It will be undertaken as part of the Respiratory Infections theme of the HPRU. The post-holder will gain valuable experience working closely with epidemiologists, statisticians and modellers both at Public Health England and Imperial College.

We are seeking an able mathematical modeller with proven high-level skills in statistical inference and computational statistics. Candidates will require a PhD in one of the following areas: infectious disease epidemiology, population biology, mathematics, statistics, theoretical physics, computer science or a similarly quantitative discipline. You will also require a first degree in a scientific or mathematical discipline.

This post is full time and fixed term for 12 months in the first instance and will be based at the St Mary’s Campus, Paddington. Imperial College is supportive of flexible working. The College is happy to discuss the possibility of implementing such arrangements for this post, with suitably qualified people, subject to operational requirements.

Interested candidates should contact Dr Marc Baguelin (marc.baguelin@phe.gov.uk) or Professor Neil Ferguson (neil.ferguson@imperial.ac.uk).