The Infectious Diseases Dynamics and Interventions Group, within the School of Population Health at UNSW Sydney, is seeking expressions of interest from prospective PhD candidates who wish to undertake research in the field of infectious disease modelling.

The School of Population Health (SPH) at UNSW is internationally recognised as a leader in public health with research strengths across a range of health disciplines, including infectious diseases and immunisation, and global health. In the Infectious Diseases Dynamics and Interventions Group (co-led by Prof James Wood and Snr Lecturer Alexandra Hogan, see https://www.unsw.edu.au/medicine-health/our-schools/population-health/research/protecting-our-people-and-our-planet/infectious-disease-immunisation/infectious-disease-dynamics-and-interventions), we use dynamic infectious disease models to inform the design, implementation, and effectiveness of population health interventions, particularly vaccines and immunotherapeutics. We use a range of mathematical and statistical techniques, including differential equations, computational methods, stochastic processes, and optimisation theory. We are currently working on a program of research focussing on transmission models for respiratory viruses and vaccination strategies.

Project title: Using mathematical modelling to explore the future health impact of combination vaccines for respiratory viruses

Combination vaccines targeting multiple respiratory viruses are an increasingly active area of vaccine research, driven by the growing availability of effective single pathogen vaccines and the recognition that streamlined immunisation strategies could improve uptake and protection across populations. As these combination vaccines progress through the development pipeline, important questions will arise regarding their optimal deployment, such as how best to schedule dosing and which population groups to prioritise.

Mathematical modelling provides a key tool to address these questions. In this project, the student will develop age structured transmission models for respiratory viruses that are current targets of combination vaccine development, allowing quantification of age specific disease burden across viruses. Building on these foundations, the student will extend the models to incorporate multiple respiratory viruses and evaluate how vaccine coverage, timing, and dosing strategies influence vaccine benefit and program efficiency. This work will support evidence based planning for future combination vaccine programmes. Specific details of the project can be adapted based on the research interests and skills of the prospective student.

The PhD student will be a member of the Infectious Disease Dynamics and Interventions Group based at the School of Population Health, within the Faculty of Medicine & Health at UNSW Sydney. The student will be based at the Kensington Campus in Sydney. If successful in the UNSW Sydney PhD admissions process, the candidate would receive a scholarship of AU $39,206 per year for up to 3.5 years.

Essential criteria
• Meets UNSW Sydney’s entry requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the Faculty of Medicine & Health (see “Entry requirements” at https://www.unsw.edu.au/research/hdr/phd).
• A four-year Bachelor degree with first or upper second class Honours from an Australian institution, or a 3-year Bachelor degree followed by a completed Masters degree with a substantial research component including a high-quality research thesis, or an equivalent qualification from a non-Australian institution.
• A degree program completed in a quantitative field such as mathematics, statistics, biostatistics, engineering, infectious disease epidemiology, or computer science.
• If qualifications were completed prior to the last five years, evidence of at least one year of research experience and at least one first author publication.
• Experience in programming (e.g., R, MATLAB, or python).
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Demonstrated ability work independently.

Desirable criteria
• Demonstrated research experience in the field of mathematical infectious disease modelling or related methods.

How to apply
Interested candidates who satisfy the essential criteria should apply by emailing alexandra.hogan@unsw.edu.au with a single pdf file attached that contains the following:
• A maximum two-page cover letter that outlines your qualifications, skills and experience, details of how you meet the selection criteria, and your interest in the research project.
• Your academic transcripts from all degrees, with an English translation if relevant.
• A brief CV including any publications and describing your research experience

Applications will be assessed on an ongoing basis until May 2026, with shortlisted candidates invited for an online interview and discussion over Teams. The applicant will then, in collaboration with the proposed supervisory panel, be actively supported in the process of developing a research proposal, assembling required documentation, applying for admission and a scholarship through the regular UNSW Sydney PhD scholarship rounds in either April or August 2026.