Senior Postdoctoral Mathematical Modeller – 24P-110
The Pirbright Institute
Permanent
Onsite: Woking, GU24
Please send your CV alongside a cover letter to jobs@pirbright.ac.uk
Before applying, please consider all applicants must be eligible to work in the UK
About the Pirbright Institute
The Pirbright Institute delivers world-leading research to understand, predict, detect and respond to viral disease outbreaks. We study viruses of livestock that are endemic and exotic to the UK, including zoonotic viruses, by using the most advanced tools and technologies to understand host-pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors.
Organisation position and purpose
The senior postdoctoral mathematical modeller will report directly to the head of transmission biology. This role is for the development of an innovative research program in mathematical modelling of livestock viruses, exploring everything from within-host dynamics to regional spread.
Main duties and responsibilities
Responsible for developing a programme of modelling work on livestock viruses, which will include:
1. Identifying questions, with field and laboratory scientists, that can address mathematical modelling and the necessary data
2. Develop and implement modelling approaches to tackle these key research questions
3. Publish research findings in top-tier, peer-reviewed journals and showcase at national and international conferences
4. Secure additional funding to expand and integrate these projects into the group's ongoing research
Responsible for providing modelling and statistical support to staff and students, which will include:
1. Offer expert advice on mathematical modelling and statistics to staff and students as required
Responsible for managing staff and students, which will include:
1. Managing the postdoctoral modellers in the group
2. Identifying student projects, obtaining funding for them and supervising the projects
3. Being committed to personal development in this area, including attending regular training
Responsible for outbreak response, which will include:
1. Support the Institute’s response to disease outbreaks as needed
Contributing to the research culture at Pirbright, which will include:
1. Actively participating in the Institute's research culture through participation in meetings, seminars, and journal clubs
2. Where appropriate, take on committee roles, including representing the group in the group leader's absence
3. Engage in outreach activities, connecting with a diverse range of audiences
Specific requirements
1. A PhD or equivalent in a relevant branch of biosciences or with a substantial mathematical modelling component
2. At least three years postdoctoral experience of applying mathematical modelling to biological systems, including model fitting and parameter estimation
3. At least three peer-reviewed publications as lead or last author in internationally recognized journals
4. Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills, including conference attendance
5. Evidence of networking skills with the ability to build effective collaborative relationships
6. Experience of collaborating with laboratory and field scientists
7. Experience of writing and managing small-scale grants
8. Leadership experience, including line management of staff, supervision of students and personal development training
9. Evidence of participation and leadership in scientific community activities (e.g. Committees; mentoring; working groups)
10. Measures of esteem (including awards and invited lectures)
11. Evidence of carrying out outreach activities with a range of audiences
Due to the nature of the work carried out by Pirbright, all successful applicants will be required to go through a comprehensive screening process including reference and qualification checks, financial and security clearances.
What we offer
1. Generous group personal pension scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings)
2. 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus 10.5 public and privilege days
3. Buy and sell annual leave
4. Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave
5. Pirbright gym with subsidised membership
6. Pirbright social club
7. Pirbright lifestyle hub (employee discount site)
8. Cycle to work
9. Subsidised staff restaurant
10. Childcare allowance
11. Free onsite parking
12. Electric car charging facilities
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, if you have not heard from us within one month from closing date of the vacancy, then please contact us on jobs@pirbright.ac.uk for an update.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Science and Research
Industries: Research Services, Biotechnology Research, and Government Relations Services
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