Current opportunities
Postdoctoral Scientist
University of Sussex, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, is seeking a full time Research Fellow in Mathematics to work on a project modelling the ecology of tick-borne pathogens along an urbanization gradient in collaboration with the Eco-Epidemiology Lab at Columbia University.
In this role, you will develop mathematical models to evaluate the roles of multiple mechanisms in structuring ecological metacommunities composed of ticks, their hosts and associated pathogens. Working closely with project partners, you will integrate process-based metapopulation models into network models to identify key environmental and social determinants of the risk of human infection, and suggest critical points for management actions.
The role includes research collaboration with the University of Bath (UK) and a US team coordinated by researchers at Columbia University. While this post has the fixed duration of 24 months, there will be an opportunity to apply for a continuation of this position to be based at the University of Bath (UK) for an additional 24 months of the project.
About you
We are seeking a candidate with a strong background in mathematical biology, ecological and/or epidemiological modelling, or applied dynamical systems.
Prospective candidates should hold a PhD in Mathematics or be in the final stages of writing up their PhD thesis and have submitted by the start date of the position. Equivalent research experience will also be considered. You should have familiarity with handling large and complex datasets, and be skilled in programming languages such as Python, Matlab or R.
The ideal candidate will be capable of independent research as well as effective teamwork, with excellent communication skills for interdisciplinary engagement with colleagues and external collaborators. A strong interest in interdisciplinary research and applying mathematical techniques to ecological data and environmental challenges is highly desirable.
Further Key Information
Please contact Prof Konstantin Blyuss ([email protected]) for informal enquiries.
Candidates should include in their application the following:
- Academic CV
- A personal statement (500 words maximum) outlining their research interests and their research experience to date
- Official academic transcripts
- Contact details for two suitable referees
- Application form
For full details and how to apply see our vacancies page.
Eligibility
This role has been assigned an eligible SOC code and meets the salary requirements for Skilled Worker Sponsorship if full time and appointed at Grade 7.4.
Please consult our Skilled Worker Visa information page for further information about Visa Sponsorship.
This role may also be eligible for the Global Talent visa route, depending on the individual circumstances of the successful candidate.
Please note that this position may be subject to ATAS clearance if you require visa sponsorship.
The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed in the UK.
About Us
We study how human changes to the landscape and the climate drive the emergence and spread of vector-borne diseases, at the interface between the disciplines of ecology, evolution and epidemiology.
Our main focus are tick-borne diseases in the United States, including Lyme disease and human babesiosis. We also study mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus, Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika, in the US and internationally.
News
Tick-Borne Diseases in Urban and Periurban Areas: A Blind Spot in Research and Public Health
New review of recent publications demonstrating risk of tick-borne diseases (TBD), such as Lyme disease, in urban areas and potential drivers of TBD emergence.
Trash Talking: Anthropogenic Resources Facilitate Raccoon Interactions in Urban Environments
New publication identifies anthropogenic resources as a key driver of raccoon intraspecific interactions in an urban habitat.
Gathering New Insights on Tick and Human Interactions in New York
Marie Lilly, Ph.D. candidate in the Eco-epidemiology Lab, is doing new research on where ticks are present in New York parks, and how people understand their exposure risk.
https://news.columbia.edu/news/gathering-new-insights-tick-and-human-interactions-new-york