LANCASTER UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE POSITIONS IN SPATIAL STATISTICS/STATISTICAL GENETICS
Two positions are available within a programme of collaborative
research between the Lancaster Statistics Group and the Veterinary
School at Liverpool University. Within the Statistics Group, the
research will be led by Prof. Peter Diggle, Prof. Gareth Roberts and
Dr. Paul Fearnhead.
The Department: The Lancaster Statistics Group is one of the strongest
in the UK (RAE Grade 6*) with an emphasis on the development
and application of methodology motivated by substantive applications,
and particular strengths in spatial and longitudinal statistics,
statistical genetics and computationally intensive statistical
methods. The Group currently includes 16 academic staff positions
and around 30 research students and research associates.
The research programme: The overall aim of the research is to further
our understanding of the transmission and evolution of food-borne
zoonotic pathogens. A specific aim is to model the
spatio-temporal distribution and genetic evolution of human
Campylobacter infections, using data derived from all recorded
cases of human campylobacter gastroenteritis in the Preston district
since 1993.
Position 1: spatial epidemiology. The primary focus of the post-holder
will be to develop novel methods of spatio-temporal statistical
analysis which can take account of genetic information on individual
cases, and to apply these, and existing methods, to the Preston
data-set. The post-holder will also be expected to assist with
general statistical input to the wider programme of collaborative
research, which is likely to involve the innovative application of
existing spatial and/or longitudinal statistical methods.
This position is available for a four-year period, beginning
1 April 2005.
Position 2: statistical genetics. The primary focus of the post-holder
will be to develop suitable stochastic models and inference methods for
population genetic data from pathogens such as Campylobacter, and to
apply such methods to learn about the biological factors which affect
the evolution of Campylobacter. The methods for analysing the population
genetic data will involve the use of modern, computationally-intensive
statistical methods.
This position is available for a two-year period, beginning
1 April 2005.
The applicant: Applicants should have a higher degree in statistics,
a commitment to collaborative research and either a track-record or
clear potential for research in statistics. For Position 1, previous
experience of epidemiological research or spatial statistics are
desirable. For Position 2, experience of computationally-intensive
statistical methods and good computing skills are desirable.
Background in population genetics would also be useful but is
not essential.
Salary: Both appointments will be made on the RA1A scale,
currently 18,893to 28,279 pounds per year. Initial salary will
depend on the age and experience of the appointee.
Application procedure: To apply or receive further information
online, please visit http://www.lancs.ac.uk/depts/personnel/jobs
Alternatively, telephone Personnel Services, quoting reference A282,
on answerphone 01524 846549. Informal inquiries can be made to Prof
Peter Diggle ([log in to unmask]).
Closing date for both positions: Friday 25 June 2004.
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