Research Fellow in Epidemic Analytics & Surveillance System Design

22 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

Research Field

Mathematics

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Australia

Application Deadline

18 Apr 2024 - 00:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Other

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Job no: 0061805
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term for 2 years
Faculty: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department/School: Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
Salary: Level A – $80,258 – $108,906 p.a. plus 17% super
Level B – $114,645 – $136,136 p.a. plus 17% super

• Undertake an integrated program of research in the mathematical sciences to inform the design of infection disease surveillance systems
• Work on a group project with staff from the School of Mathematics and Statistics (University of Melbourne), Curtin University, and Telethon Kids Institute
• Salary packaging, subsidised health and wellbeing services, fitness and cultural clubs, Myki discounts, and a 25% discount on graduate courses to our staff and their immediate families!

About the Role

The Research Fellow in Epidemic Analytics and Surveillance System Design will undertake an integrated program of research in the mathematical sciences to study the design of infectious disease surveillance systems, with the aim of improving the public health utility of these systems. The appointee will be responsible for developing a simulation platform that couples mathematical models of disease transmission with models of surveillance (observation) processes. They will also develop a framework for evaluating the value of data generated by different surveillance system designs, drawing on methods from the field of information theory optimal design. Using the simulation platform and evaluation framework, the role of data from a range of surveillance methodologies (e.g., mass testing, sentinel GP surveillance, serological surveys, infection prevalence surveys, hospital-based surveillance) in generating evidence for public health decision-making (e.g., forecasting, intervention scenario modelling, estimating vaccine effectiveness) will be investigated. Completing novel surveillance approaches may be considered.

The project team complement each other’s skills, providing plenty of opportunities for growth and development. The research unit work with a hybrid model, splitting time between working from home and working from the office with an emphasis on flexibility around personal life.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the development of a simulation platform that couples mathematical models of infectious disease transmission with models of public health surveillance (observation) processes.
• Establishing a framework for evaluating the information value of data generated by different surveillance methodologies.
• Reporting on research findings at regular meetings and through formal presentations at Centre, School, and Faculty seminars, national and international conferences, and partner organisations

Who We Are Looking For

You are an early career researcher with a PhD, preferably in Infectious Disease Modelling, with a strong understanding of statistics and modelling using computing software such as R, Python, MATLAB, or C/C++. You ideally have experience working with public health data and an understanding of how public health systems observe cases of disease and be able to develop models to represent these processes. Your strong interpersonal skills allow you to be an effective part of team, contributing to research and publications. 

You will also have:

• Sound written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical material to a range of less or non-technical stakeholders from both a research and policy environment.
• Ideally, experience in simulation modelling the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases, analysing data from infectious disease surveillance systems and working with health policy or other decision makers.

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached PD.

Your New Team – Infectious Disease Dynamics Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics 

The Infectious Disease Dynamics Unit at the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics conducts research in mathematical epidemiology and Bayesian statistical methods for infectious disease analytics, infectious disease surveillance, decision-science and pandemic planning and response. The unit is a key node in the Parkville precinct-wide infectious disease modelling and analytics network. Staff and students work closely with colleagues in the School of Mathematics and Statistics, School of Computing and Information Systems and the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity. The unit is led by Dr Freya Shearer, and supports 5 research staff based in the unit, and additional post-doctoral staff and graduate research students primarily based in the School of Mathematics and Statistics. The unit has a national leadership role in viral respiratory disease surveillance, influenza and COVID-19 forecasting and pandemic planning and response. It has led Australia’s national COVID-19 situational assessment consortium, providing expert advice to peak national committees such as the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee and Communicable Disease Network of Australia since January 2020.

What We Offer You!

In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services and discounts on graduate courses. For more information, check out our benefits  page!

About the University of Melbourne

We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website  and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn .   

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity.  First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page.

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact Kim Groizard at [email protected] , with an email containing your name and contact details for a confidential discussion. Please ensure your email is titled "Reasonable Adjustments Request".

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

Join Us!

If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents: 

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description)

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Nick Petersen via email at [email protected] , ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.

Position Description

Applications close: 18 Apr 2024 11:55 PM AUS Eastern Standard Time

Requirements
Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

Country

Australia

City

Melbourne

Postal Code

Parkville

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.timeshighereducation.com/unijobs/listing/367902/research-fellow-in-…

Contact

City

Melbourne

STATUS: EXPIRED