Job description

Researcher Modelling of Infectious Diseases

Position
We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly-motivated scientist to conduct research on the spread of infectious diseases using mathematical, statistical, and computational models. The post-holder will lead the development of models to describe the spread of infections and the impact of control measures. The models will help interpret data collected in the field, they will be tested against epidemiological data and will lead to a rational basis for calculating the costs and benefits of interventions. The post is set within the Modelling Unit, however the post-holder is expected to develop and maintain effective collaborations with epidemiologists, microbiologists, health economists and policy-makers in a multi-disciplinary environment. The post-holder is expected to publish the methods developed and modelling results in high impact peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Requirements
We welcome applications from ambitious scientists with a background in the physical sciences (such as physics, applied mathematics, computer science, mathematical biology, bioinformatics) who have experience in the field of infectious diseases epidemiology and are familiar with modern statistical methods for data analysis. You are experienced in programming to do calculation, analyze data and visualize information, preferably using R. The essential requirement is that you get things done and you are interested to use your skills to answer epidemiological questions that will improve public health. You must be willing to work as part of an international and multi-disciplinary scientific team, and you should be able to deal creatively with the rapid changes that occur within this dynamic research field.

Education:
University, PhD

Conditions
Depending on the qualifications, we offer salary scales comparable to the level of pre-doctoral or post-doctoral researchers, and assistant professor (which is salary scale 11, max € 5003 euro gross per month)
Appointment for 1 year, with prospects of a contract for several years
min working hours per week 20
max working hours per week 36

About the Unit for Modelling of Infectious Diseases
The post-holder will be based within the Modelling Unit at the RIVM, which is a dynamic international and stimulating group comprising modellers and health economists who work closely with colleagues whose expertise spans diverse disciplines, including epidemiologists, statisticians, modellers, microbiologists, virologists, and immunologists. The Modelling Unit is one of the leading research groups in its field, and maintains numerous collaborative links with external academic and non-academic institutions. For more information, please visit our website
https://www.rivm.nl/en/modelling-infectious-diseases
https://www.rivm.nl/en/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/modelling

About the Centre for Epidemiology and Surveillance
The Centre for Epidemiology and Surveillance is part of the Netherlands Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and is internationally renowned as a centre of excellence for public health. The Centre for Epidemiology and Surveillance is located within the Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), and is responsible for monitoring the current status of infectious diseases. CIb scientists conduct research on the location, frequency, and risk factors of outbreaks, and interventions which have proven effective, and also attempt to establish why other interventions have not been effective. The Centre for Epidemiology and Surveillance initiates and facilitates research on the emergence and spread of infectious diseases, provides assistance and advice to investigations into outbreaks of infectious diseases, and develops new monitoring and surveillance systems. It also disseminates knowledge and experience in the form of scientific articles and RIVM reports, (which present national and international epidemiological research findings), maintains contact with sister organizations in other European countries, and initiates further joint research where appropriate. The Centre acts as a training location for the European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology.

More Information
Prof. dr. Jacco Wallinga, head of the Unit for Modeling Infectious Diseases
Jacco.wallinga@rivm.nl

Questions about the application procedure, and submission of application
vacature@rivm.nl
Please mention the reference number C-I&V-EPI-350

It is expected that this job will be advertised on the Dutch government jobs website (www.werkenvoornederland.nl/ ) around July 22nd 2020; the closing date will be around July 31st 2020.