Welcome to the Eco-Epidemiology Lab

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

Apply here

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. 

Blacklegged ticks
Ticks over time

By informing mathematical models with empirical data from the field and lab, we aim to understand the long-term eco-evolutionary dynamics of tick-borne pathogens.

Risk map for Lyme disease cases in Eastern United States
Tick on the move

By analyzing historical patterns of emergence and spread of tick-borne pathogens, we gain insights into the environmental drivers and build spatial risk maps to guide prevention and intervention efforts.

View of a park on Staten Island with the New York City skyline in the back
NYC ticks

By studying how people shape the urban environment in ways that expose them to vectors and pathogens, we explore how the ecological and social factors intersect to influence human health.

Aedes albopictus mosquito
Urban mosquitoes

By examining how a city varies in its composition, configuration, and level of connectivity, we examine how the built environment (and use of the built environment) contributes to different levels of risk for Aedes-transmitted diseases.

As a part of this CDC-led initiative, we are working closely with partners across academic and public health institutions towards more uniform approaches and sustainable solutions for vector-borne disease monitoring, prediction, and control in the Northeast.

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