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Post-Doctoral Fellow /Research Fellow (A615-06O)
Department of Sociology - Academic, Faculty of Arts

Post-Doctoral Fellow/Research Fellow position in social simulation and
modelling.

Location

Auckland

Term of Contract

Fixed Term of 2 Years

Closing Date

15 September 2006

Position Overview

Applications are invited for a two-year post-doctoral research position to
work with Professors Peter Davis (Sociology) and Alastair Scott
(Statistics) on a project developing social simulation techniques, such as
agent-based simulations and micro-simulation, to model the primary health
care system. The project is funded by the Health Research Council of New
Zealand.

The project's aim is to establish a working, computer-based model of the
primary health care system in New Zealand in its social context and to test
propositions about its functioning and development under different
scenarios of demographic ageing. There will be three central elements -
demographic ageing, family and community capacity, and practitioner and
system response. Existing data sources will be used to estimate the key
parameters, and statistical matching will be used. The project will
develop, verify and validate the model, and then apply simulation
techniques to test scenarios.

Ideally the position requires an individual with experience in the
development of social simulation techniques, including agent-based or
micro-simulations, and knowledge of associated computational methods. A
background in the quantitative social sciences, such as the sociology of
health or demography, or in public health, is highly desirable. Would suit
person with recent PhD in social sciences using advanced research methods
or social statistics/computer sciences.

Job Description



Purpose Statement

The Post-Doctoral Fellow/Research Fellow position is to establish a
working, computer-based model of the primary health care system in New
Zealand in its social context and to test propositions about its
functioning and development under different scenarios of demographic ageing.

Responsible To

Prof. Peter Davis

Key Accountability Areas

Teaching
Nil

Research
* To provide leadership for the development of the simulation components of
the research project.  * To guide and contribute to analysis and scenario
modelling.
* To draft research reports and academic papers for international peer
review.  * Contribute to the collegial academic activities within the
Departments of Sociology and Statistics.

Service to the Community
Nil

Person Specification



Qualifications

Recent PhD in social sciences using advanced statistical methods or social
statistics/computer science is highly desirable.

Experience

Ideally experience in the development of agent-based social simulations or
micro-simulation and knowledge of associated computational methods. A
background in the quantitative social sciences, such as the sociology of
health or demography, or in public health, is highly desirable.

Attributes and Skills

* Ability to work as part of a team.
* Ability to provide leadership and guidance in field of expertise.
* Ability to be responsible for the delivery of core components of a
research project.  * Ability to draft academic articles to a level suitable
for international peer review and publication.  * Excellent written and
verbal communication skills.

To apply:

Online - Visit
http://www.vacancies.auckland.ac.nz/positiondetail.asp?p=4471

Or If you are unable to make an electronic application, download The
University of Auckland's Application For Employment
<http://www.vacancies.auckland.ac.nz/procs/getform.asp?p=4471>  form for
this position in RTF format. This form must be fully completed and
accompanied by your curriculum vitae. Completed forms should be forwarded
to the address below before the published closing date for applications.

Human Resources Section

The University of Auckland

Private Bag 92019

Auckland 1020

New Zealand




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Dr Tess Ridge
Department of Social and Policy Sciences
University of Bath
Bath
BA2 7AY
Tel: +44 (0) 1225 385838
Email: [log in to unmask]