Epidemiologist

Epidemiological Modeller – (24P-64)

The Pirbright Institute

Salary: £38,500 - £40,000 per annum

Fixed-Term Contract – Until 31/07/2026

Onsite: Woking, GU24

Application Closing Date: 31/10/2024

Please send a Cover Letter alongside your CV - jobs@pirbright.ac.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. Our major strength in understanding the immune systems of livestock provides a platform to control current diseases and respond to emerging threats.

Our Institute is made up of a dynamic and vibrant community of staff covering a diverse set of chosen fields, backgrounds, and experience. We all play a crucial role in furthering the Institute’s aspirations, advancing the frontiers of science and knowledge through our excellent scientific research, knowledge sharing and contribution; with a real focus in improving the world in which we live. Our outlook is always balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one Institute’ approach.

Organisation position and purpose

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and African swine fever (ASF) are two of the most important livestock diseases globally. The Transmission Biology studies the transmission of viral diseases of livestock, particularly FMD, using a combination of transmission experiments, field studies and mathematical modelling. The African Swine Fever group aims to improve understanding of ASF virus-host interactions to underpin work leading to improved disease control, including development of vaccines.

The Epidemiological Modeller will analyse data generated in experimental studies carried out by the Transmission Biology and African Swine Fever groups and integrate the results into models for the transmission and control of FMD and ASF. They will also liaise with other groups in the UK working on FMD and ASF modelling to facilitate integration of new data into their models. The post-holder will report to the head of the Transmission Biology group.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Responsible for developing models for the spread of FMDV and ASFV, which will include: 80%

• Developing models for the transmission, surveillance, and control of FMDV and ASFV, including as decision support tools for policy makers.
• Liaising with field and laboratory scientists working on FMDV and ASFV at the Institute to integrate their results in the models.
• Discussing the models and their use with policy makers and reporting outputs from the models to them.
• Writing up modelling work for publication in scientific journals and presenting their work at conferences.

Responsible for liaising with other modelling groups: 10%

• Developing collaborative links with other groups in the UK that have developed FMD and ASF models.
• Discussing with scientists in the group how the results of studies at Pirbright can be integrated in their models.

Responsible for outbreak response, which will include: 5%

• Assisting with the Institute's response to disease outbreaks as required

Responsible for contributing more widely to Institute culture, which will include: 5%

• Actively participating in and contributing to institute and research group culture and activities, including research meetings, seminars, journal clubs, and shared laboratory duties where required
• Being collegiate and working collaboratively with fellow research group members and collaborating partners

This job description is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The jobholder will carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required by their line manager. The job description and personal specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of The Pirbright Institute.

Essential/Desirable requirements

Essential

• A PhD, or equivalent, with a substantial mathematical modelling component.
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills.

Desirable

• Experience of applying mathematical models to epidemiology.
• Experience of Bayesian methods for model fitting.
• Experience of working on foot-and-mouth disease virus.
• Experience of working on African swine fever virus.
• Experience of collaborating with laboratory and field scientists.
• Experience of writing papers and reports.
• Experience of communicating with policy makers.

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

• Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings).
• 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus 10.5 public and privilege days.
• Buy and sell annual leave.
• Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave.
• Pirbright gym with subsidised membership.
• Pirbright social club.
• Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site).
• Cycle to work.
• Subsidised employee restaurant.
• Childcare allowance.
• Free onsite parking.
• 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.