As one of the successful candidates for a Post-doc position, you will be working on a multidisciplinary project using mathematical modelling on some aspect of the dynamics of infectious diseases, intervention strategies, and pandemic preparedness. We have received several grants from ZonMw in the call on modelling for pandemic preparedness, and topics vary from modelling the spread of respiratory infections in and between schools, the impact of clustering of contacts on contact tracing, the interaction between social networks and epidemic spread, and using mobility data for epidemic modelling. Your activities will include developing mathematical and statistical models for analyzing epidemiological and/or behavioural data, developing methods for estimating disease related parameters, implementing them in computer code using a programming language (R, Julia, Phyton, Matlab), and applying them to the analysis of existing data. You will be expected to write scientific papers on the results of the project and give presentations at national and international meetings. You will communicate with the interdisciplinary research team and bring together expertise from various fields to develop novel models and modelling approaches. You will interact with public health professionals and other stakeholders about your research.

• You should have successfully completed a PhD in theoretical biology, applied mathematics, biostatistics, computational biology or a similar discipline.
• Proven experience with mathematical modeling of infectious diseases and computer programming is required
• Experience in data analysis is an advantage.
• Very good knowledge of the English language in speaking and writing is a requirement.

Desirable qualities include a broad interest in the application of mathematical methods to epidemiological, behavioural, and public health related questions, the ability to communicate well with researchers from other disciplines, and enthusiasm about tackling and solving problems on the interface of theoretical epidemiology and public health.

The maximum salary for this position (32 - 36 hours) is € 5.504,00 gross per month based on full-time employment.

In addition, we offer an annual benefit of 8.3%, holiday allowance, travel expenses and career opportunities. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Cao University Medical Centers (UMC).

The Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care is part of the University Medical Center Utrecht. It carries out scientific research, provides education, and offers expertise and facilities in the area of clinical health sciences and public health. Within the Julius Center the division of infectious diseases is a growing research group with a strong focus on the application of mathematical modeling as a research tool for epidemiology and public health. There is a very active group of mathematical modellers working on various topics related to the dynamics of infectious diseases, impact of interventions, and the influence of human behaviour on disease spread. We also have social scientists in the group. We collaborate with partners in epidemiology, sociology, theoretical biology, immunology, and public health. We have a strong international network and are a recognized partner in the research field.

See also: https://research.umcutrecht.nl/research-groups/infectious-disease-modelling-utrecht/

Contact our colleague:
Mirjam Kretzschmar
06 53 40 82 20
M.E.E.Kretzschmar@umcutrecht.nl