Postdoctoral Research Associate in Infectious Disease Modelling

Location: Andrew Wiles Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG

Contract type: Fixed-term (one 24-month position and one 12-month position)

Maths Webpage: https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/node/71795

We are currently inviting applications for two Postdoctoral Research Associates (PDRAs) to work with Professor Robin Thompson at the Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford. These are two fixed-term positions for 24 months and 12 months, respectively, funded by a research grant from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). We anticipate the start date for these positions be in January 2026 but earlier or later start dates can be negotiated.

The successful candidate will be a member of Prof. Thompson’s research group within the Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology in the Mathematical Institute (https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/groups/mathematical-biology/infectious-disease-modelling). The postdoctoral researchers will develop data-driven mathematical models and associated computing code for modelling avian influenza outbreaks in Great Britain (GB). One position will focus on modelling the risk of virus invasions into GB in different locations and at different times of year. The other will use epidemiological models to test a range of outbreak intervention strategies. Both PDRAs will collaborate with members of the project team based elsewhere (at other UK universities and at the UK government’s Animal and Plant Health Agency), and both PDRAs must develop computing code that is useable by other researchers and government policy advisors.

The research undertaken in these roles will be carried out under the BBSRC grant “Modelling to inform interventions during Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreaks in Great Britain” (BB/X016137/1). The postdoctoral researchers will be expected to conduct research both independently and collaboratively with other members of the group at Oxford and elsewhere. They are expected to provide informal mentorship of doctoral students in the group. These positions are well-suited to researchers with strong modelling and computational skills, and provide the opportunity for undertaking research with positive real-world impacts.

We proudly hold a departmental Athena SWAN Silver Award and an institutional Race Equality Charter Bronze Award, which guide our progress toward advancing racial and gender equality. As part of our strategic aim to improve staff equality and diversity, we would particularly welcome applications from women and BME candidates, who are currently under-represented in positions of this type within the department.

Please direct informal enquiries to the Recruitment Coordinator (email: recruitment@maths.ox.ac.uk), quoting vacancy reference 179739.

Applicants will be selected for interview purely based on their ability to satisfy the selection criteria as outlined in full in the job description. You will be required to upload a statement setting out how you meet the selection criteria, a curriculum vitae including a full list of publications, a statement of research interests, and the contact details of two referees as part of your online application. (NOTE: Applicants are responsible for contacting two of their referees and making sure that their letters are sent to references@maths.ox.ac.uk  by the closing date).

To apply and for further information, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above.

Only applications received before 12.00 noon UK time on Friday 4 July 2025 can be considered.

Interviews are anticipated to take place week commencing 14 July 2025.

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