Animal Health Epidemiologist/Data Scientist Grade 6/7

We have an exciting opportunity for a Health Data Scientist/quantitative Epidemiologist to join the University of Liverpool Veterinary Data Science group. We combine large data sets primarily from companion animals (SAVSNET), but increasingly from horses and farm animals that together total 100s of millions of rows of data, and use statistics, epidemiology, data visualisation and dashboarding, and increasingly AI to study a wide range of real-world animal health and environmental issues.  You will work on a variety of projects depending on the precise source of funding for that given time period.

The priority for the first 9-12months will be using laboratory data to describe antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across the UK in companion animals; this work constitutes one work package of a larger nationally important piece of work funded through the VMD. You will also contribute to a descriptive study of farm animal data from vets in practice. You will integrate, clean and link our existing and growing data from veterinary practices and laboratories to generate real-world, research-ready health data sets. Collaborating with PIs, you will analyse these data following approved methods (Grade 6) or generate your own research (Postdoctoral Grade 7), whilst being aware of previous work we have carried out in these domains, especially on AMR. Once work for specific projects is completed, you may develop your own research projects that complement existing commitments within the team. You will lead (Postdoctoral Grade 7) and/or support (Grade 6) the writing of academic publications and technical reports. As part of these specific projects, you should seek to facilitate, support and promote the efficient use of such large data within our diverse and expanding team that ranges from undergraduates to experienced researchers, as well as data novices and experienced data scientists.

For appointment at Grade 7 you should have a PhD, for appointment at Grade 6 you should have a BSc. You may have worked in a range of previous relevant domains including applied/medical statistics, health data sciences / informatics, computer science, quantitative epidemiology, or an animal related degree (such as veterinary science, veterinary nursing, bio veterinary science). You must also have a passion and demonstrable skills (advanced for Postdoctoral Grade 7) in programming in Python, SQL, or similar languages, skills in R programming, and be able to communicate results effectively in writing and verbally with colleagues regardless of their academic background. Regardless of your background, you must be able to demonstrate a clear interest in animal health and in the science, we are doing. The post is based at the Leahurst campus of University of Liverpool on the Wirral; some remote working may however be possible.

This is a full-time post, fixed-term until 31 March 2025 initially. We are hopeful that this period of funding will be extended based on income generation and suitable progress.

Any applicants who are still awaiting their PhD to be awarded should be aware that if successful, they will be appointed at grade 6, spine point 30.  Upon written confirmation that they have been successful in being awarded their PhD, they will be moved onto grade 7, spine point 31 from the date of their award. 

Proposed interview date: 9th May 2025

The University has the right to close the vacancy early if it is deemed that there have been enough applications received.