Research Associate in Spatial Modelling

Location: White City Campus (Hybrid) 

About the role: 

This post, funded by The Gates Foundation, aims to model the spatial and temporal distribution of molecular markers of antimalarial drug resistance across sub-Saharan Africa. 

Malaria drug resistance represents a critical and evolving threat to malaria control and elimination efforts, yet the genomic data needed to track resistance are often fragmented, analytically challenging, and insufficiently translated into information that can guide public health action. This role contributes directly to addressing that gap by developing and applying advanced spatio-temporal modelling approaches to transform large-scale genomic surveillance data into clear, interpretable evidence on where and how resistance is emerging and spreading. 

What you would be doing: 

The Research Associate will work as part of a joint research programme between Imperial College London and MRC Unit the Gambia, collaborating closely with researchers across both institutions. Through a combination of advanced quantitative analysis, international collaboration, and engagement with public health stakeholders, the post-holder will play a key role in strengthening malaria molecular surveillance and supporting more timely, data-informed responses to drug resistance in Africa. 

What we are looking for:

• Hold a PhD in statistics, mathematics, epidemiology, data science, quantitative geography, infectious disease modelling, or a closely related discipline (or equivalent research, industrial, or commercial experience) *
• Practical experience of working within a quantitative research environment, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications or equivalent research outputs.
• Experience working with spatial and/or spatio-temporal data.
• Experience using statistical programming languages (e.g. R, Python) for data analysis and modelling.

* Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

This role is a full-time and fixed-term contract for two years.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Dr Robert Verity at r.verity@imperial.ac.uk.

Closing Date: 26 March 2026

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