The Opportunity

What’s MAP?

MAP (malariaatlas.org) is a global collaboration of scientists and engineers working across mathematics, statistics, epidemiology and geography to collate the world’s largest repository of malaria data and use that data to parametrise sophisticated mathematical and statistical models to answer urgent policy questions. We work closely with our partners (e.g. WHO, national malaria programs, IHME, CHAI, PMI) to ensure MAP’s research outputs are translated into policy recommendations which will ultimately contribute to malaria elimination. In addition to production of the official estimates of global malaria burden and extensive technical support to national malaria programs, we have a long track record of publications in top journals (Nature, Lancet, New England Journal of Medicine).

What will you be doing?

We are recruiting two postdoctoral scientists (Research Officer, or Senior Research Officer - level dependent on experience) to join our MAP team in Perth, Western Australia. You will be working under the supervision of senior scientists in MAP to develop and extend our modelling frameworks to improve the accuracy and granularity of our spatiotemporal estimates of malaria burden, as well as designing new modelling approaches to address long-standing open policy questions (e.g. how should interventions be prioritised given limited funding envelopes?).

You’ll work collaboratively within the group, including the groups within our Infectious Disease research theme working parallel to MAP in different areas of malaria modelling research, including mechanistic modelling and ecological modelling. This full-time position will be based at The Kids Research Institute Australia, located within the Perth Children’s Hospital, 15 Hospital Ave, in Nedlands Western Australia and will be offered on an initial 2-year contract.

You should apply if:

• You have (or are about to receive) a PhD in mathematics, statistics, epidemiology, or another similarly quantitative field.
• You have demonstrable skills in (at least one) field relevant to mathematical/geostatistical disease modelling – spatial statistics, Gaussian processes, state-space modelling, data assimilation, mechanistic/compartmental modelling, or causal inference.
• You have strong programming skills in at least one of R/Python (or similar).
• You are able to work independently and as part of a wider team.
• You’d like to live in Australia’s sunniest city (visa sponsorship will be considered for the right international appointment – MAP is a very diverse group, and most of the team is from overseas).

You will be considered for the Senior Research Officer role if:

• You have experience in malaria research at the post-doctoral level, or
• You have experience modelling/mapping infectious disease burden

Roles are advertised for both Research Officer (equivalent to Research Associate) and Senior Research Officer (equivalent to Research Fellow) – please reach out to Georgie Lawton (georgie.lawton@thekids.org.au) if you’re not sure which role is the best fit, or if you’d like to talk about the roles/MAP/Perth more generally.

At The Kids Research Institute Australia, we are committed to building a workplace culture that reflects the communities we serve. We actively recruit, support and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ people, people of all ages, and those with diverse lived experiences. We also provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in how we:
• Support staff-led inclusion and allyship groups.
• Offer flexible work practices that recognise different needs and life stages.
• Provide training, development and mentoring opportunities to increase inclusive leadership and create an environment where all staff can thrive.
• Partner with communities to strength cultural awareness and belonging.
• Ensure adjustments and accessible practices are available for diverse community groups.
• We continually strive to measure our progress and improve where we can.

Alongside our inclusive culture, you’ll enjoy:
• Extra annual leave at Christmas and Easter.
• Salary packaging and entertainment benefits.
• Health and wellbeing programs with weekly events.
• Flexible and hybrid working options.
• Recognition and professional development opportunities, including LinkedIn Learning.
• Modern offices with sit-to-stand desks and end-of-trip facilities.
• Staff discounts on travel, IT, stationery, and access to corporate health insurance.

How to apply

If this role feels like the right fit and an exciting new opportunity for you, please click on 'Apply Now' to visit our Career Site, view the Job Description, and submit your application.

Please include a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) that specifically addresses the skills and experience outlined in the “About You” section.
Applications will only be accepted through our career portal. If you are experiencing technical difficulties or require reasonable accommodations in completing your application, please contact recruitment@thekids.org.au.

Closing Date: Applications are open between 6th May 2026 to 5th June 2026 at 11:59pm (30-day period).