Job Title: Research Assistant/Associate in Infectious Disease Epidemiology
(SM041-14)
School:
IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON
JOB DESCRIPTION
Public Health
Infectious Disease Epidemiology Department:
Centre: MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling
Job Family/Level: Academic and Research
Level A (Research Assistant)
Level B (Research Associate)
(Level of appointment will be dependent on qualifications and
experience)
Salary Range: £28,770 - £31,880 per annum (Level A, Research Assistant)
£28,770 - £32,750 per annum (Level B, Research Associate)
Reporting to: Professor Neil Ferguson
Contract: Full-time, fixed term until 30 th June 2017
Location: St M ary’s Campus, Paddington
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 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 develop and implement statistical and mathematical models of dengue virus transmission and the impact of Wolbachia, a novel vector control measure. The position is funded by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The core focus of the work undertaken by the post holder will be to work with collaborators in the Eliminate Dengue ( http://www.eliminatedengue.com/ ) consortium – notably Scott O’Neill and Cameron Simmons – on modelling work associated with the development and trialling of the Wolbachia as a dengue control measure. Development of simulations of the potential impact of Wolbachia alone or in combination with other control measures will be a priority, together with input into the design and analysis of ongoing experimental and field studies.
The exact project the post holder will undertake will be determined in discussion with
Professor Neil Ferguson, taking into consideration the post holder’s interests and experience.
The research will be undertaken within the context of the MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling at Imperial College, and will benefit from the translational focus of the Centre

and the close links it is forging with public health bodies in the UK (e.g. DH, HPA) and across the world (e.g. WHO, CDC, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation).
Key Responsibilities

To develop a range of mathematical, statistical and simulation models of the transmission and control of dengue

To collate epidemiological and other data relevant for the research project

To undertake literature searches and reviews

To submit abstracts and present findings at national and international meetings

To participate in writing of scientific papers and to publish in high quality journals

To work cooperatively as part of multidisciplinary teams
Other Duties

To undertake appropriate administration tasks

To attend relevant meetings

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)

To undertake any necessary training and/or development

Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by line manager / supervisor
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.
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 for appointment as Research Assistant

MSc in one of the following areas: infectious disease epidemiology, population genetics, population biology, mathematics, statistics, theoretical physics, computer science or a similarly quantitative discipline.

Essential for appointment as Research Associate

PhD in one of the following areas: infectious disease epidemiology, population genetics, population biology, mathematics, statistics, theoretical physics, computer science or a similarly quantitative discipline.
Experience
Essential

Research experience of working with mathematical and/or statistical models.

Substantial experience of implementing mathematical or statistical models in one or more of C, C++ or Java.

Experience in communicating research findings to a non-specialist audience.
Essential for appointment as Research Associate

Publications in leading scientific journals.
Desirable

Research experience in infectious disease epidemiology or population genetics.

Research experience of mathematical modelling.

Experience of working with external collaborators in the UK and overseas.
Knowledge
Essential

Working knowledge of mathematical and/or statistical modelling relevant to the project.

Programming in C, C++ or Java.

An interest in infectious disease epidemiology and control.
Desirable

Knowledge of statistical methods and a statistical programming language (preferably
SAS or R).

Knowledge of the epidemiology of zoonotic diseases.
Skills/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.

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 travel internationally at relatively short notice.

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.