Two research positions available at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission in Ispra, North Italy at postdoc level to conduct research on the environmental and non-environmental factors for the emergence of vector-borne and respiratory infections, and developing risk maps of emergence in Europe.

Two profiles are sought:

Computational/Statistical Scientist

We offer:
An excellent opportunity to acquire experience in working as part of a productive scientific team, with complex data (epidemiological, environmental, etc.) on exciting research topics, helping to tackle key health challenges in the EU through high impact research.
The successful candidate will work in a multidisciplinary team at the JRC and external collaborators, developing and implementing approaches for retrieving data from diverse relevant sources, surveillance and statistics databases, and analysing them with mathematical/statistical, geographical analysis, and artificial intelligence approaches to estimate and gain insights on the geographical distribution and abundance of vectors and pathogens.
S/he will work on the study of environmental and non-environmental factors affecting the health burden from vector-borne and respiratory infectious diseases in a globally changing environment in the scope of the EPIPREP project.
The aim of this project is to assess the risk of pathogen emergence at the EU level, focusing on vector-borne and respiratory infections to develop a framework for the risk analysis on different geographical and temporal scales that could be used for outbreak forecasting

We look for:
A Computational/Statistical Scientist with the following essential qualifications:
• A doctoral diploma (PhD) in Statistics, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics or related field, alternatively completed university studies of at least three years attested by a diploma and at least five years professional experience in a research or analysis field relevant to the position;
• Strong quantitative background with robust statistical and computational skills, ideally with experience in machine learning, neural networks and deep learning;
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research utilising large data sets;
• Proficiency in Python, R or Matlab (at least one);
• Excellent written and spoken English (C1);
• Ability to work autonomously, and as part of a team;
• Ability to communicate scientific concepts in writing and orally.

In addition, the following competences will be considered as an advantage:
• A good research publication record;
• Knowledge and use of spatial statistics;
• Experience with mathematical models in infectious disease epidemiology and agent based systems;
• Experience with Reinforcement Learning or Optimal Control Theory;
• Demonstrated ability in management of large data sets, including data retrieval, transformations and analysis;
• Experience in the areas of infectious disease epidemiology, surveillance, modelling, spatial epidemiology;
• Knowledge and experience from the areas of transmission dynamics, immunity, host-vector-pathogen interactions, pathogen evolution;
• Work in international research teams and multidisciplinary fields.

Mathematical/Statistical Epidemiologist

We offer:
The successful candidate will work in a multidisciplinary and productive team at the JRC and external collaborators.
S/he will conduct research on dynamical systems and their application in infectious disease epidemiology and contribute to the dissemination of research outputs through scientific conferences and peer reviewed journals.
S/he will work on the study of environmental and non-environmental factors affecting the health burden from vector-borne and respiratory infections in a globally changing environment.
Embedding new sources of relevant surveillance data, such as earth observation data, combined with routine epidemiological surveillance and environmental data, we use statistical or mathematical modelling, machine and deep learning approaches to develop a framework for the assessment, projection, and mapping the risk of infectious diseases at different geographical and temporal scales to inform public health decisions.

We look for:
A Mathematical/Statistical Epidemiologist with the following essential qualifications:
• A doctoral degree (PhD) in applied mathematics, physics, computer science, mathematical epidemiology, molecular epidemiology or other related field, or alternatively completed university studies of at least three years attested by a diploma combined with at least five years professional experience in a research or analysis field relevant to the position;
• Strong quantitative background with robust mathematical or statistical skills with emphasis on dynamical systems. Experience in application of spatial statistics and agent based modelling will be an additional significant asset;
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research utilising large data sets;
• Proficiency in Python, R or Matlab (at least one);
• Good oral and written communication skills in English (C1);
• The candidate is expected to be creative and work independently and as part of the team;
• Ability to communicate scientific concepts in writing or orally.

In addition, the following competences will be considered as an advantage:
• Knowledge and experience from the areas of transmission dynamics, immunity, host- vector-pathogen interactions, pathogen evolution;
• Experience working in international collaborative research teams and multidisciplinary fields and environment;
• Solid record of research activities relevant to the post, including publications in international peer-reviewed journals.

Conditions of employment and the place of work:
The JRC/European Commission offer a highly competitive remuneration package, including generous salary and a number of additional monthly cashallowances for child support, expatriation expenses and support, annual travel home, moving costs, private health care and a long annual leave. The posts are for initial 3 years, with a possibility for extension for further three.

The JRC in Ispra is located on the shores of Lago Maggiore, in the southern foothills of the Alps. It is within an easy reach of some of the biggest skiing slopes of Europe and a two-hour drive from the Mediterranean coast. It is near the vibrant city of Milano and to the very well connected Malpensa airport. Many world-class historic sites, such as Venice, Florence, Bologna, Rome, Verona, Pisa, Siena and plenty of others are a few hours train journey away. It is also a short distance from renowned wine and gastronomic regions in Piedmont, Toscana and Emilia Romagna. All the above provide exceptional opportunities for hiking, skiing, water sports, a rich cultural life and contribute to an excellent quality of life.