IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Research Assistant / Associate (SM216-13)
School:
Public Health
Department:
Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Centre:
MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling
Job Family/Level:
Academic and Research
Level A (Research Assistant)
Level B (Research Associate)
Salary Range:
£28,770 - £31,880 per annum (Level A, Research Assistant)
£28,770 - £41,540 per annum (Level B, Research Associate)
Responsible to:
Dr Jamie Griffin and Professor Azra Ghani
Key work relationships: Lead investigators, other epidemiologists and
mathematical modellers in the Department of Infectious
Disease Epidemiology, project collaborators,
representatives of funders (Malaria Vaccine Initiative),
foundations and agencies, other international academic
groups
Contract:
Full-time and fixed term until 1 June 2014 in the first
instance
Location:
St Mary’s Campus, Paddington
The purposes of the post
The Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling
was founded in 2007 with Professor Neil Ferguson as Director. Its mission is to be an
international resource and centre of excellence for research on the epidemiological
analysis and modelling of novel infectious disease outbreaks. SARS, H5N1 avian
influenza and H1N1 ‘swine’ influenza have highlighted the need of the world to
improve its readiness for new epidemics. The Centre has built upon a world-leading
research group in the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at Imperial
College London to undertake applied collaborative work with national and
international agencies in support of policy planning and response operations against
emerging infectious disease threats.
The post holder will use mathematical modelling to assess the public health impact
and cost-effectiveness of the RTS,S malaria vaccine in Sub-Saharan Africa. The
project, funded by the Malaria Vaccine Initiative, forms part of a wider programme of
research on mathematical modelling of malaria which currently includes 5 Research
Fellows, 5 postdoctoral Research Associates and 2 PhD students. Further
information
on
the
group
can
(http://www.imperial.ac.uk/medicine/outbreaks).
be
found
on
our
website
The overall aims of the project are:
1) To estimate the public health impact and cost-effectiveness of RTS,S if
introduced according to GAVI scale-up estimates from 2017 onwards in malaria
endemic African countries under different delivery strategies;
2) To consider alternative scenarios for the efficacy associated with the booster
dose based on our recently completed analysis of the relationship between
antibody levels and protection in the Phase II field data;
3) To consider an alternative scenario in which LLIN distribution ceases on
introduction of the vaccine in each country;
4) To evaluate the impact of different age-based delivery schedules on the PHI and
CE estimates;
5) To assess the impact of a range of different booster dose timings (6, 9, 12, 18,
and 24 months) on the PHI and CE estimates;
6) To produce simulations that can be incorporated into the MVM as detailed in
further discussions with Applied Strategies and MVI.
The post holder will work with an existing malaria model which will be extended to
incorporate new insights from the RTS,S trial results as they arise. The results will be
used to estimate the public health impact of the vaccine in sub-Saharan Africa. An
important aspect of the project will be working closely with the funders (Malaria
Vaccine Initiative) as well as wider global public health agencies (in particular WHO
and GAVI) to enable them to use the results to inform decision making.
The research will be undertaken with the Malaria Research Group within the MRC
Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling at Imperial College London, and will
benefit from the translational focus of the Centre and the close existing links it has
with public health bodies including WHO, Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Medicines for
Malaria Venture, Clinton Health Access Initiative and academic partners in endemic
countries.
Key Responsibilities:
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To generate scenarios for the potential public health impact of the RTS,S
malaria vaccine and its cost-effectiveness
To collate and analyse epidemiological and economic data relevant for the
research project
To visualize model results and data to generate insight
To write clear and effective project reports and manuscripts
To guide manuscripts through peer-review process
To attend conferences and present results
To assist with teaching, supervision and tutorial work (to the degree
required by the candidate for their own career development)
Other Duties:
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To undertake appropriate administration tasks
To attend relevant meetings, including travel to endemic countries
To undertake any necessary training and/or development
Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by
line manager / supervisor
To observe and comply with all College policies and regulations, including
the key policies and procedures on Confidentiality, Conflict of Interest,
Data Protection, Equal Opportunities, Financial Regulations, Health and
Safety, Imperial Expectations (for new leaders, managers and
supervisors), Information Technology, Private Engagements and Register
of Interests, and Smoking
To undertake specific safety responsibilities relevant to individual roles, as
set out on the College Website Health and Safety Structure and
Responsibilities page
(http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/safety/policies/organisationandarrangements)
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and the post-holder may be required to
undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key
responsibilities.
Imperial College is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating
discrimination. All employees are expected to adhere to the principles set out
in its Equal Opportunities in Employment Policy, Promoting Race Equality
Policy and all other relevant guidance/practice frameworks.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications
Essential (for recruitment to Research Assistant)
 MSc in one of the following areas: infectious disease epidemiology, population
biology, mathematics, statistics, or a similarly quantitative discipline.
Essential (for recruitment to Research Associate)
 PhD or equivalent in one of the following areas: infectious disease epidemiology,
population biology, mathematics, statistics, or a similarly quantitative discipline.
Experience
Essential
 Experience of working with mathematical models and statistical analysis.
Essential (for recruitment to Research Associate)
 Publications in leading scientific journals.
Desirable
 Research experience in infectious disease epidemiology / vector-borne infections.
 Experience in analysing epidemiological data.
 Experience in communicating research findings to a non-specialist audience.
 Experience of working with external collaborators in the UK and overseas.
Knowledge
Essential
 Working knowledge of mathematical modelling relevant to the project.
 Knowledge of statistical methods and software (preferably Stata or R).
 An interest in infectious disease epidemiology and control.
Desirable
 Programming in C or C++.
 Knowledge of the epidemiology of malaria.
 Knowledge of health economics.
Skills and Abilities
Essential
 Proven research skills.
 Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
 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.
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Ability to work with a minimum of supervision.
Excellent organisational skills.
Ability to present information effectively at meetings, and give positive input to
discussions at meetings.
Other
Essential
 Willingness and ability to attend meetings internationally at relatively short notice.
Imperial Expectations
These are the 7 principles that Imperial leaders, managers and supervisors are expected to
follow:
1) Champion a positive approach to change and opportunity
2) Communicate regularly and effectively within, and across, teams
3) Consider the thoughts and expectations of others
4) Deliver positive outcomes
5) Encourage inclusive participation and eliminate discrimination
6) Support and develop staff to optimise talent
7) Work in a planned and managed way
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 e-mail address
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.