Postdoctoral Researcher in Infectious Disease Dynamics
Location: Hawkshead (nr Potters Bar, Herts)
Salary: £39,719 to £50,519 Inclusive of London Weighting
Fixed Term / Full Time
Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Sunday 09 February 2025
Interview Date: Monday 24 February 2025
Reference: PPS-0247-24-A
We invite applications from highly motivated and curiosity-driven postdoctoral scientists to join our interdisciplinary US-UK collaborative project investigating viral dynamics in wildlife. This project is co-led by Dr. Jayna Raghwani (Royal Veterinary College), Dr. Christina Faust (University of Glasgow), Dr. Barbara Han (Cary Institute), and Dr. James Hassell (Smithsonian Institution), with additional partnerships including the University of Oxford, the Ministry of Health in Uganda (Vector Control Division), and the International Livestock Research Institute in Kenya.
About the role
The post-holder will lead the development of new computational and statistical approaches for inferring epidemiological dynamics from viral metagenomic (metaviromic) datasets generated from wildlife populations. Key tasks will include developing and applying statistical inference methods and simulating virus abundance across different epidemiological scenarios and study designs using theoretical models. By confronting these models with high-resolution, longitudinally sampled metaviromic data from wild rodents in differing environmental conditions in the UK and Uganda, this research will generate transformative insights into how environmental changes influence virus transmission dynamics.
Outcomes of this research will help advance understanding of virus transmission dynamics in wildlife systems and inform models of zoonotic spillover across spatiotemporal scales. The role provides a unique opportunity to address fundamental challenges in linking viral metagenomic data with dynamic epidemiological models, contributing to broader zoonotic risk prediction efforts.
The position will be based at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), within the Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences (PPS) and work closely with Dr. Jayna Raghwani and our dynamic, international team with expertise spanning field epidemiology, wildlife ecology, genomic sequencing, machine learning, and capacity development.
Candidate profile
The role is well-suited to individuals with expertise in population dynamics, quantitative disease ecology, infectious disease modelling, computational biology, or related fields. We are especially interested in candidates with strong quantitative and problem-solving skills, a proven ability to develop and apply new quantitative frameworks to model complex biological datasets, a collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research at the intersection of ecology, epidemiology, and genomics. Candidates with experience in fitting population dynamic models to data or developing statistical inference frameworks for complex datasets are strongly encouraged to apply.
While prior experience in all these areas is not required, candidates should demonstrate their capacity to undertake quantitative and computational research to address questions about ecological and/or epidemiological dynamics. We welcome applicants from diverse academic backgrounds and encourage those with transferable skills to apply.
What we offer:
The successful candidate will join a supportive and growing research group at the RVC, with broad interests in the ecology and evolution of viruses across multiple scales. The post-holder will have access to mentorship from an experienced team across diverse career stages and disciplines, providing opportunities for career development, training, and collaboration.
This position offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge questions in disease ecology, epidemiology, and genomics that address critical challenges in understanding viral transmission dynamics.
We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working within the UK and preferences for part-time roles.
We also offer a generous reward package and benefits, including:
1. Competitive and attractive pension package
2. Generous 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays + concessionary days)
3. A range of family friendly policies, including adoption, maternity and paternity pay and leave
4. Free membership to on-site gyms
5. Free minibus service to and from Potters Bar station and Hawkshead Campus
How to apply
When applying, please upload a CV. No cover letter is required, but please ensure that you provide sufficient detail in your application about your motivation and how your experience matches the criteria outlined in the Person Specification and Job Description.
The post is available for three years at 100% FTE with an expected start date in early 2025 and is open to international candidates.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role informally, please contact Dr. Jayna Raghwani (jraghwani@rvc.ac.uk).
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.
The RVC values Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and therefore welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and communities. Balancing both the needs of the business with those of our staff, we will consider applications to work on a flexible basis.
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