Research Associate in Infectious Disease Data Analysis and Modelling

About the role:

The post is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and aims to investigate the drivers and pathways of nosocomial transmission of respiratory viruses among patients and healthcare workers (HCWs). It forms part of a three-year project which will prospectively collect epidemiological and genomic sequencing data on SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus A/B and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) A/B in both acute and geriatric care settings across two Swiss hospitals.

The primary objective of the project is to integrate epidemiological and genomic sequencing data to reconstruct who infected whom, thereby characterising transmission dynamics between patients and HCWs. The findings will inform improved infection-control strategies for respiratory viruses in high-risk healthcare environments, ultimately contributing to reduced morbidity and mortality associated with nosocomial infections.

What you would be doing:

The post-holder will lead the data analysis and modelling components of the project. They will build on existing methodologies, including outbreaker2, an R package developed by the team to reconstruct who infected whom by combining epidemiological information and whole genome sequences in a Bayesian inference framework.

The post-holder will extend these methods to incorporate features specific nosocomial transmission and the hospital setting and will apply the enhanced tools to analyse the data collected as part of the project.

What we are looking for:

• Hold a PhD in infectious disease epidemiology, mathematical modelling, statistics or a closely related quantitative discipline *Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.
• Research experience in analysing epidemiological and/or pathogen genomic data
• Research experience in developing or implementing statistical inference methods
• Experience using R software or coding in C++ or similar languages

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 for a full-time and fixed-term contract until 31^st March 2027 (with possibility of extension up to 31^st March 2029).

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Dr Anne Cori at a.cori@imperial.ac.uk.

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