Research Fellow

We are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellow in mathematical modelling to investigate the impact of environment and climate change on wildlife diseases.

The post is part of the European Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare consortium (https://www.eupahw.eu/), an EU-funded program aimed at controlling infectious diseases of animals and promoting animal welfare. The program involves 90 entities from 24 countries (research-performing institutions, funding organizations, and ministries) including the European Food and Safety Authority and the European Medicines Agency.

The objective of this role is to integrate genetic and epidemiology by developing new predictive models for more resilient animals at the population level. To achieve this goal, you will formulate and apply sophisticated mathematical models in conjunction with ecological data. The post is for a full-time researcher for 23 months, to start as soon as possible. The successful applicants will work within the Population Systems and Public Health unit at the School of Veterinary Medicine with Dr Gianni Lo Iacono and Dr Abel Ekiri.

Infectious diseases greatly impact livestock health, production, welfare and the economic benefits. Disease-resistant animals offer a solution. However, factors contributing to resilience and their epidemiological role remain unclear. Our objective is to develop an immuno-epidemiological framework to uncover these factors in livestock populations. The research at the School of Veterinary Medicine is at the forefront of understanding and alleviating the threats to health in animal and human populations. This includes research to understand factors that increase the risk of disease. In line with the One Health philosophy, our research is highly multidisciplinary and multi-institutional.

You will be responsible for research into mathematical modelling (population dynamics, epidemiological compartmental modelling, differential equations and similar). The role will suit a highly motivated candidate who is interested in addressing real-world challenges. You shall use novel rigorous approaches to integrate genetics and epidemiology to develop predictive models for more resilient animals at the population level.

You should have a relevant PhD/DPhil (or be near completion), in addition to holding a first degree in either Quantitative disciplines (physics, mathematics, engineering, computer science, and similar) or in life-science with modelling experience. Experience in programming is essential. You will be expected to develop your solutions in at least one of the languages: Python, MATLAB, or R. You should have a track record of published work with experience of working well independently and as part of a team.

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research.

We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.

Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference., Please note, it is University Policy to offer a starting salary equivalent to Level 3.6 (£34,980) to successful applicants who have been awarded, but are yet to receive, their PhD certificate. Once the original PhD certificate has been submitted to the local HR Department, the salary will be increased to Level 4.1 (£36,024).