IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Research Associate in Infectious Disease Epidemiology
(SM133-10)
School:
Public Health
Department:
Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Job Family/Level:
Research and Education, Level B
Salary Range:
£26,720 - £38,930 pro rata per annum
Contract:
Part-time (17.5 hours per week) for 2 years.
Reporting to:
Dr Timothy Hallett, Professor Geoff Garnett
Location:
St Mary’s Campus, Paddington
The Post
We are seeking a Research Associate to develop and implement mathematical models of
HIV transmission. The position is funded by the Qatar National Research Foundation. The
co-investigators are: Dr Tim Hallett, Professor Geoff Garnett and Professor Azra Ghani
(Imperial College London), Dr Laith Abu-Raddad ((Principle Investigator) Weill Cornell
Medical College – Qatar) and Dr Ruanne Barnabas (University of Washington).
Twenty-five years into the HIV pandemic, there remains uncertainty in the factors that have
determined the uneven global spread of HIV across and within populations, and the factors
that support such high levels of infectious transmission among the general population in
some parts. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the role that other diseases
(including Herpes, Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Tuberculosis) play in facilitating the spread
of HIV. In this project, we aim to examine the hypothesis that these common diseases
facilitate HIV transmission and that this could partly explain the global distribution of HIV.
The Research Associate will work closely with the collaborating research groups at Imperial,
Washington and Qatar, to synthesise and evaluate evidence linking co-infection with
increased transmissibility of HIV or increased susceptibility to infection. A range of
mathematical models would be constructed to quantify the implications of biological effects
detected at the individual level for HIV incidence across populations.
Key Responsibilities

Develop mathematical models of HIV transmission and incorporate representations of
the interactions with other diseases.

In collaboration with other researchers, collate epidemiological, demographic and
other data relevant for the research project

Parameterise and analyse the model for range of settings

Write scientific papers on research performed

Travel internationally to work will collaborators

Present results of research at conferences and to funders and stakeholders

To comply with relevant College policies, including Financial Regulations, Equal
Opportunities Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy, Health and Safety Policy,
Information Systems Security Policy and Intellectual Property Rights and Register of
Interests Policies
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and so the post holder may be required to
undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.
The post holder is expected to observe and comply with all College policies and
regulations, for example Health and Safety, Data Protection etc.
Imperial College is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating
discrimination. All employees are expected to adhere to the principles set out in our
Equal Opportunities in Employment Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy and
Disability Policy and all other relevant guidance/practice frameworks.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications
Essential

PhD in one of the following areas: infectious disease epidemiology or population biology.
Experience
Essential
 Research experience of mathematical modelling of infectious disease transmission.
 Experience with reviewing/analysing scientific papers and reports.
 Experience in communicating research findings to non-specialist audiences.
Desirable
 Research experience of HIV epidemiology.
 Strong publication record.
Knowledge
Essential
 Working knowledge of mathematical modelling of infectious diseases.
 Working knowledge of HIV epidemiology.
 An interest in infectious disease transmission and control.
Desirable
 Knowledge of C++ programming, one or more mathematical packages (Matlab, Excel, or
others) and one or more statistical packages (Stata, SAS or R).
 Knowledge of current HIV/AIDS key research priorities.
Skills/Abilities
Essential
 Proven research skills evidenced by peer-reviewed publications
 Ability to collate data, interpret and present results to a high standard using a range of
specialised research techniques
 Ability to work independently but also as part of a larger interdisciplinary research team
 Excellent verbal and written communication skills
 Proven organisational and time management skills
APPLICATION GUIDANCE
Please read the person specification carefully and describe, as part of your application, how
much you feel you meet each of the criteria.
If you attach a CV it should include the following information:
Applicant’s full name, private address and private telephone number
A confidential fax number and e-mail address, where possible
Degrees (including University and dates)
Past and present posts
List of publications
Brief description of future research plans
Names, addresses and, email, fax numbers, of three referees.
Thank you for your interest in this post. We look forward to receiving your application.