Research Assistant

Interview Date

22 Aug 2025

Informal Enquiries

Dr Alma Rahat A.A.M.Rahat@swansea.ac.uk

About The University

Swansea University is a research-led university that has been making a difference since 1920. The University community thrives on exploration and discovery and offers the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life.

Our stunning waterfront campuses and multicultural community make us a desirable workplace for colleagues from around the world. Our reward and benefits, and ways of working enable those who join us to have enriching careers, matched by an excellent work-life balance.

About The Role

This Research Assistant (RA) role is a key part of the supporting informed policymaking with Infectious disease modelling, OptimisatioN And visualisation (RATIONAL) project, which aims to enhance public health decision-making through infectious disease modelling, optimisation, and visualisation. The RA will work within the Swansea Modelling Team for 22 weeks, contributing to the development and deployment of tools that support real-world policymaking in Wales and Malta.

The RA will be responsible for running simulations using existing models, integrating new data, and generating outputs that inform health policy. They will work closely with stakeholders to understand their needs and adapt the tools accordingly, ensuring usability and relevance. The role includes technical tasks such as refining the Welsh Model for Covid-19 (WMC), enhancing the Policy Evaluation Tool (PET), and improving the Generic Epidemiological Model (GEM) for broader application to seasonal diseases.

The position involves significant engagement with external partners. The RA will spend time in Cardiff working with the Welsh Government’s Science Evidence Advice Division and travel to Malta to collaborate with the Directorate of Health Information and Research. These visits are essential for applying the tools in real-world settings and gathering feedback for iterative improvement.
The RA will be embedded in a supportive, interdisciplinary team and will participate in weekly meetings with both the project lead and the wider Swansea Modelling Team. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful research, gain experience in stakeholder engagement, and support the translation of academic work into practical tools for public health.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity in all its practices and activities. We aim to establish an inclusive environment and welcome diverse applications from the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.

As an inclusive and welcoming workplace, we value people for their skills regardless of their background. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English.

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